Ex-Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct, Trump Calls Situation ‘Very Sad’

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was briefly arrested on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest stems from renewed scrutiny of his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein following the release of U.S. Department of Justice documents related to Epstein’s crimes. He has since been released under investigation.

Investigation Details

Thames Valley Police arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk, later confirmed to be Mountbatten-Windsor, and subsequently released him. The investigation centers on allegations that he sent confidential trade reports to Epstein in 2010 while serving as Britain’s special envoy for international trade . Searches were conducted in Norfolk and Berkshire as part of the inquiry.

Trump’s Reaction

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dismay at the arrest, calling it “very, very sad” and lamenting the situation as “a shame” for the British royal family . Trump, who has a history of close ties with the royal family, including state visits with both King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II, also noted that King Charles is scheduled to visit the U.S. This year.

Background: Epstein Connection

The arrest follows the release of millions of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice concerning Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Both Mountbatten-Windsor and Trump had associations with Epstein . Trump stated he had been “totally exonerated” in connection to Epstein, while acknowledging the renewed attention on the matter.

King Charles’ Response

King Charles III has stated that “the law must take its course” in response to his brother’s arrest, signaling a willingness to allow the legal process to unfold without interference .

Previous Developments

King Charles stripped Mountbatten-Windsor of his title of prince last year.