Andrew in ‘Shock’ Over Birthday Arrest – Planned Lonely 66th with Queen’s Corgis

He was reportedly planning a quiet, lonely birthday with a pack of dogs. Instead, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th began with flashing lights and a knock that changed everything.

According to reports, the disgraced royal was stunned when police arrived at his temporary home at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate early Thursday morning. What he thought would be a low-key day with seven dogs — including two beloved corgis that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II — turned into an 11-hour stay in custody.

Sources say Andrew had expected to spend the day alone. No party. No family drop-ins. Not even his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson or daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were planning to stop by. Just Andrew and the dogs.

Instead, around 15 officers reportedly showed up at his door with what one insider described as “stealth, speed and surprise.”

He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a serious charge that carries a potential life sentence in the U.K. After being read his rights, Andrew was allowed to get dressed while under supervision before being taken in for questioning.

While one team handled the arrest at Wood Farm, another group of officers reportedly arrived at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, the residence Andrew vacated just weeks ago.

A friend told British press that the former prince had braced himself for a “quiet and lonely” birthday.

“He was expecting to spend the day with seven dogs,” the source said. “Instead he had 15 cops at his door.”

During his time in custody, Andrew was reportedly questioned for 11 hours. Like any other suspect, he had a DNA swab taken, fingerprints recorded, and a mugshot snapped.

The investigation is said to be tied to ongoing scrutiny over Andrew’s past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities have previously reviewed allegations that Andrew shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the U.K.’s trade envoy. Police have also confirmed separate inquiries into claims that a woman was trafficked to Britain by Epstein for an alleged encounter with Andrew.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Images captured after his release showed him slumped in the back of a vehicle around 7 p.m., appearing visibly strained as he was driven home.

Shortly after news of the arrest broke, his older brother, King Charles III, issued a carefully worded statement.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the monarch said. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

He added that the family would offer “full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” but stressed that “the law must take its course.”

For Andrew, what was supposed to be a birthday spent in isolation with the Queen’s corgis became something far more dramatic — and far more public.

And in a saga that refuses to fade, even a low-key birthday couldn’t pass without headlines.