Former Prince Andrew Arrested in Epstein Files Investigation
London – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office following revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files. The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday, approximately two weeks after an anti-royal organization called for police investigation into documents suggesting he shared confidential government information with the late Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy.
Why Was Former Prince Andrew Arrested?
The Thames Valley Police force had been assessing claims against Mountbatten-Windsor that emerged from the latest release of Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department to determine if a formal investigation was warranted [CBS News]. In a statement released on Thursday, Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and announced searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk [CBS News]. Police did not initially name the individual in their statement [CBS News].
Around 8 a.m. Local time, six unmarked police vehicles arrived at Wood Farm, Mountbatten-Windsor’s novel residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk [CBS News]. Reuters reported police were also present at Royal Lodge, his former residence on the Windsor estate near London [CBS News].
Later on Thursday, police announced that the man had been released under investigation, and the searches in Norfolk had concluded [CBS News]. If charged with misconduct in public office, the offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in Britain [CBS News].
Royal Response and Political Reaction
King Charles III expressed his “deepest concern” regarding the news and affirmed the royal family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” with the investigation [CBS News]. He stated that the law must take its course and declined to comment further [CBS News].
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that “nobody is above the law” when questioned about Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest [CBS News]. Buckingham Palace previously stated the royal family would cooperate with police inquiries [CBS News].
Background: Epstein Allegations and Previous Scrutiny
Mountbatten-Windsor has faced intense scrutiny over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein [USA Today]. He has denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret over the friendship, but has not been charged [USA Today].
King Charles stripped Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal titles last year amid scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein and accusations made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to engage in sexual activity with him when she was underage [NBC News]. Mountbatten-Windsor denied these allegations but reached a settlement with Giuffre in 2022, reportedly paying around $16 million [NBC News].
Giuffre’s siblings released a statement expressing gratitude to the Thames Valley Police and stating, “He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.” [CBS News]
Epstein Files and Alleged Information Sharing
Recent revelations from the Epstein files suggest Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports related to his work as a British trade envoy with Epstein, including details on investment opportunities [CBS News]. Emails from November 2010 present he forwarded official reports to Epstein shortly after receiving them [CBS News]. Another exchange the following month appears to show him sharing a “confidential brief” on investment opportunities in Afghanistan [CBS News].
These allegations echo similar claims regarding former British Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, who is also under investigation for sharing confidential government information with Epstein [CBS News].