Former Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed on Thursday, February 19, 2026.1 The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday, follows allegations that he shared sensitive information with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein although serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Investigation Details
Police launched the investigation after a new tranche of emails, released by the US Department of Justice as part of the so-called Epstein files, emerged.1 These files suggest Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded reports about Vietnam, Singapore, and other countries visited on official trips to Epstein in 2010.4
Searches were conducted at properties linked to Mountbatten-Windsor, including Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he currently resides, and Royal Lodge in Berkshire, his former home.2
Royal Response
King Charles expressed “deepest concern” over his brother’s arrest, stating, “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.”1 He affirmed the authorities’ full support and cooperation, emphasizing that “the law must take its course.”
Previous Allegations and Investigations
Thames Valley Police had previously been reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor.2 A separate investigation is also assessing allegations that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a similar encounter at Royal Lodge in 2010.3
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to his connections with Epstein and has expressed regret for the friendship.1
Legal Implications
A conviction for misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and would be dealt with in a Crown Court.1
Mountbatten-Windsor was previously forced to step down from royal duties in 2019 and was stripped of his titles and honors in 2023 due to his association with Epstein.2 In 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit in the United States brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse.4 The current police investigation is not related to this civil case or other allegations of sexual impropriety.
As of February 19, 2026, Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation.1