The arrest of King Charles’ younger brother has been described as a “massive blow” to the British monarchy.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (pictured) was arrested by UK police early on Thursday morning (19 February) on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has strongly denied any wrong doing and it is important to stress he has not been charged with anything.

Police are reportedly looking into claims that the former prince had passed documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while working as a trade envoy.

The news, which comes on the 66th birthday of the former prince, has been described as a critical moment in the long history of the British royal family.

According to media reports, Andrew, said to be the late Queen’s favourite son, is the first senior royal to have been arrested in this manner.

Reacting to the dramatic news, which has made headlines around the world, Dr Denis MacShane, a former Europe Minister in the UK, told this website: “The last royal to be detained was King Charles 1 who lost his head.”

MacShane, who served under Tony Blair, added, “This is a massive blow to the reputation of British  royals across the world.”

In a reference to King Charles, he went on: “The  King is old and unwell. The arrest of his brother protected by Buckingham Palace when he was intimately connected to Jeffrey Epstein shamed Britain. This will get worse until there is real change,” said MacShane

Further comment came from Lord (Richard) Balfe, a member of the UK House of Lords, who also told this site, “Mountbatten-Windsor has always regarded himself as being above the law.

“Sending what were in effect Government documents to what was effectively a “foreign power” was always above the law and so his arrest is deserved. 

“On the House of Lords circuit he has always had a reputation for being high handed and unpleasant I doubt that many who know him will feel sorry for him,” said the UK peer who is also a former MEP.

The King went about his usual business on Thursday but, in a statement, also responded by saying: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.”

It is understood, according to  Reuters, that police officers were also searching a property in Berkshire, where the former royal prince used to live on the King’s Windsor estate.

Police, said the King’s statement, would receive the royals’ “full and wholehearted support and cooperation”.

It went on: “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

A UK police statement read: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”