Former United Kingdom Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested. 

Cars arrived at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk where the former prince lives earlier this morning. Thames Valley Police said the eighth in line to the British throne has been held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The US Congress released a complete dossier of information in January and February of this year in relation to dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. UK police have been assessing claims that Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year, passed confidential government information to Epstein when he was a trade envoy more than a decade ago. 

Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: 'Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

'It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

'We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.'

Today is the former prince’s 66th birthday.