Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his long-standing friendship with U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement Thursday, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of the Thames Valley Police 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.”

The statement added that police officers “are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”