Former Prince Andrew Arrested in UK Over Ties to Epstein

LONDON – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to British police. The arrest, unprecedented in Britain’s modern era, comes amid ongoing investigations into allegations stemming from the Jeffrey Epstein files .

The 66-year-old was photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk, eastern England, after being taken into custody. Police previously stated they were reviewing claims that Andrew shared sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein although serving as a UK trade envoy .

First Senior Royal Arrested in Centuries

King Charles III expressed “deepest concern” upon learning of his brother’s arrest, emphasizing that “the law must take its course” . Andrew is the first senior British royal to be arrested in nearly 400 years .

He was released from police custody nearly 12 hours later “under investigation,” meaning he has neither been charged nor exonerated .

Previous Allegations and Stripping of Titles

Last year, Andrew was stripped of all his royal titles and removed from his former home by King Charles III . This followed mounting scrutiny over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all accusations against him, including allegations he never witnessed or suspected any of Epstein’s alleged behavior . He has not publicly commented on the recent allegations of misconduct in public office.

Ongoing Investigations into Protection Officers

Separately, the Metropolitan Police is conducting “initial inquiries” into allegations concerning close protection officers formerly assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor . An unnamed former senior Met protection officer alleged that officers may have “wilfully turned a blind eye” during visits to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little St James .

The police stated they have “not identified any wrongdoing” but are investigating the claims .