Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to UK media reports and a statement from Thames Valley Police.
The arrest marks a significant escalation in scrutiny surrounding his links to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Police confirmed that a man in his sixties from Norfolk was taken into custody and that searches were being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
While authorities did not formally name the individual, the details provided correspond to Mountbatten-Windsor.
Thames Valley Police said the arrest took place on February 19 as part of an active investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
In a statement, the force said, “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”
The man remains in police custody and has not been formally charged.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the investigation followed a thorough assessment of allegations and stressed the importance of protecting its integrity.
Officers earlier indicated they were considering claims that confidential government documents may have been passed to Epstein, according to files recently released by the U.S. government.
British police reiterated that it is standard practice not to name suspects prior to charge.
Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III and second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was stripped of his royal title last year over his friendship with Epstein.
Buckingham Palace said earlier this month that King Charles would support police as they assessed the allegations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Mountbatten-Windsor should cooperate with U.S. authorities in their investigation.
British newspapers reported that unmarked police vehicles and plainclothes officers were seen at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Searches have also taken place in Berkshire, where Royal Lodge, his former residence in Windsor, is located.
Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has expressed regret over their friendship.