Former Prince Andrew, the brother of King Charles III and son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, has been arrested by police on his 66th birthday. The arrest occurred at the Sandringham estate, where eight police officers arrived in civilian vehicles. British media reports indicate that Andrew is being investigated for gross misconduct in his public role, particularly related to allegations that he shared sensitive documents in his communications with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The situation has drawn significant attention due to Andrew's royal status and the serious nature of the allegations. Sean Coughlan, a royal expert from the BBC, noted the rarity of such an event involving a member of the royal family. The implications of this arrest could be profound, not only for Andrew's future but also for the perception of the monarchy as it grapples with past scandals and public scrutiny over its members' actions.

The British royal family had previously expressed their willingness to cooperate with the authorities on matters involving Andrew, indicating an acknowledgment of the need for accountability. This incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussions around royal conduct, the implications of privilege, and the legal consequences faced by those in public positions.