Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office

Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following the release of emails suggesting he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. He has since been released under investigation.

Arrest and Investigation

Thames Valley Police arrested the man in his sixties from Norfolk and conducted searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The arrest is linked to his conduct as a trade envoy and the disclosure of emails related to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Police stated they would not be naming the arrested man, in accordance with national guidance and cautioned against publication that could prejudice the active investigation.

The former duke of York was released under investigation on Thursday evening after almost 12 hours of questioning and returned to his residence at Sandringham.

Emails and Allegations

Documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor forwarding sensitive government documents and commercial information to Epstein. Specifically, emails from 2010 indicate he shared details of upcoming trade envoy trips to Singapore, Vietnam, Shenzhen in China, and Hong Kong, along with official reports from those visits.

The emails also suggest he forwarded a confidential briefing on investment opportunities in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, to Epstein in December 2010. This briefing, prepared by UK officials, outlined “high-value commercial opportunities” in the region.

As a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, Mountbatten-Windsor had access to privileged information and contacts. Official guidance dictates that trade envoys maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive, commercial, or political information.

Official Response

King Charles III has pledged his “full and wholehearted support and cooperation” to the “appropriate authorities” in response to his brother’s arrest.

Potential Consequences

Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The offence involves wilfully neglecting duties or misconducting oneself to an extent that abuses public trust. However, the offence is under review and is expected to be replaced with new offences under the public office (accountability) bill currently before the House of Commons.

Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein and has rejected any suggestion he used his role as trade envoy for personal gain.