Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement on allegations made against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor this morning just hours before the King's brother was arrested.
When pressed on whether the former prince ought to voluntarily present himself to authorities, Mr Starmer refused to be drawn, stating this was a decision for police to make independently.
The Prime Minister said: "I think that's a matter for the police, they will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law."
He stressed this fundamental principle must be applied consistently, regardless of who is involved.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed questions about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor this morning, affirming that no individual stands above British law.
|BBC
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Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing amid the ongoing allegations.
Just hours after the Prime Minster's comments Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police have confirmed.
The police force issued a statement saying: "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 at this time.
"We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."
Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing amid the ongoing allegations.
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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."
Across the country, nine police forces have confirmed they are reviewing whether to commence formal investigations into matters connected to the Epstein files.
The allegations form part of the fallout from millions of documents released in recent months, which detail Mountbatten-Windsor's close association with Epstein.
Sir Keir indicated he would not obstruct any parliamentary debate on Mountbatten-Windsor's connections to Epstein, should MPs wish to pursue one.
The Prime Minister also reiterated his view that those possessing relevant information should come forward to appropriate authorities.
A timeline of Andrew's demise.
|GB NEWS
"Anybody who has any information should testify. So, whether it's Andrew or anybody else, anybody whose got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is," Mr Starmer told the BBC.
In the wake of these revelations and further email correspondence between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein becoming public, the former prince relocated from his Windsor residence to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Appearing in the Epstein files is not evidence of any wrongdoing and Inclusion in the documents does not implicate anyone in Epstein's criminality.
GB News has contacted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on the above allegations.
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