Former Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office

London – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested Thursday, February 19, 2026, for suspected misconduct in public office following revelations stemming from the Jeffrey Epstein files. The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday.

Investigation and Arrest Details

The arrest follows accusations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with the late Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a British trade envoy. An anti-royal organization had previously called for police to investigate the documents released by the U.S. Justice Department according to a statement from Thames Valley Police.

Thames Valley Police confirmed they were assessing claims against Mountbatten-Windsor after the latest release of Epstein files. In a statement released Thursday, the force stated, “as part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.” The man, who was not named in accordance with police procedure, “remains in police custody at this time.”

Police Activity at Residences

Six unmarked police vehicles were observed arriving at Wood Farm, Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence on King Charles III’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, shortly after 8 a.m. Local time. Police were also seen at Royal Lodge, his former residence on the Windsor estate near London as reported by Reuters.

Royal Response

King Charles III expressed his “deepest concern” regarding the arrest and affirmed the royal family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation” with the investigation according to NBC News. Prince William and Princess Kate also voiced their full support for the King’s statement an aide to the Prince and Princess of Wales confirmed to NBC News.

Potential Penalties

Misconduct in public office carries a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment in Britain as stated by the Thames Valley Police.

Background

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal title last year and has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein according to NBC News. The arrest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing fallout from the Epstein case as reported by Forbes.