Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released Under Investigation Following Arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, which occurred on February 19, 2026, marks the first time a senior British royal has been treated as a common criminal in modern history [1]. He was questioned regarding allegations he sent confidential government documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Arrest and Release
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police and held for questioning at Aylsham police station in Norfolk, England. A photograph taken by Reuters photographer Phil Noble showing Mountbatten-Windsor reclined in the back of a vehicle leaving the police station went viral [1], [2]. He was released under investigation on February 20, 2026 [1].
Investigation Details
The current police investigation centers on the suspicion of misconduct in public office and is separate from previous allegations of sexual impropriety [3]. Detectives are urging former close protection officers who worked with Mountbatten-Windsor to come forward with any relevant information [2].
The Metropolitan Police is also working with US counterparts to determine if London airports were used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation related to Epstein [2]. This follows the release of millions of court documents pertaining to Epstein by the United States Department of Justice.
Royal Response
King Charles III has expressed his “deepest concern” about the case and stated that “the law must take its course” [3]. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has expressed regret over their friendship [3].
Background: Epstein Connection
The investigation stems from renewed scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008 [3]. Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in the previous year, had repeatedly claimed she was forced to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor while underage, allegations he has consistently denied [3].
Mountbatten-Windsor served as a UK trade envoy for a decade.