Onlookers said a group of eight people were in plain clothes ‘but appeared to be police officers’ when several unmarked cars arrived in Sandringham just after 8am.

One man appeared to be carrying a police-issue laptop.

Andrew is staying at Sandringham after being evicted by his older brother from Royal Lodge in Windsor following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Police popped up at Sandringham as Sir Keir Starmer claimed ‘nobody is above the law’ in the UK and nine UK police forces assess whether to launch investigations into Epstein-related allegations including human trafficking and sexual assault.

Andrew is yet to be spoken to by detectives are assessing a range of allegations related to sex trafficking and misconduct in public office and sex trafficking. But his brother King Charles said he stands ready to help the police with their inquiries.

The Queen’s second son may have passed sensitive information to Epstein in his role as a UK trade envoy. There are also claims he may have smuggled a woman into Buckingham Palace who may have been trafficked into Britain on Epstein’s ‘Lolita Express’ jet.

Andrew denies any wrongdoing.

Watch the Daily Mail’s Andrew Pierce explain whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could become the first royal to go to prison.

It comes following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office as police forces investigate the Epstein files.

See his video below:

Detectives have been probing the former Duke of York’s conduct while he served as a UK trade envoy as emails released in the Epstein files suggested he shared confidential information with his paedophile friend.

Andrew, who celebrates his 66th birthday today, was also pictured in the Epstein files kneeling over a young women.

The royal is also being urged to give evidence to the US congressional investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast today, Sir Keir Starmer said:

Anybody who has any information should testify.

So whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.

Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, the force said.

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.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Police have today been seen at Sandringham, where the King’s younger brother, who turns 66 today, is staying.

Six unmarked police cars arrived at King Charles’ Norfolk estate at just after 8am this morning.

Stick with us for the latest developments on this huge breaking story.