Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is currently in police custody.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday, following charges against the former prince following the release of millions of pages of documents relating to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew is the first senior royal to be arrested in modern history.
The news comes as images circulated online showing unmarked police cars pulling into Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk and plainclothes police appearing to gather outside Andrew’s home on what would have been his 66th birthday.
Thames Valley Police previously said officers were examining allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for sexual contact with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with pedophiles while he was Britain’s trade envoy.
Police said searches were being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Emails released by the US Department of Justice appear to show the former duke sharing reports from official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.
An email dated November 2010 appears to have been forwarded five minutes after it was sent by Aamir Patel, Andrew’s then special adviser.
Another appears to have sent Epstein a confidential briefing on investment opportunities for reconstruction in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, just before Christmas 2010.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now launched an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“As we work with our partners to investigate this alleged criminal conduct, it is important to protect the integrity and objectivity of the investigation.
“We understand there is significant public interest in this case and we will provide an update in due course.”
