UK police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest took place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, marking the first time a senior member of the British royal family has been detained by authorities since the 17th century.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers took the 66-year-old into custody at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate during a morning raid. The investigation centres on allegations that the former royal shared confidential government trade information with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his decade-long tenure as a UK special trade envoy.
The move followed the recent release of millions of documents by the U.S. Justice Department, which reportedly contained emails showing the then-prince forwarding sensitive market reports to Epstein. While the former duke has consistently denied any legal wrongdoing, the "Epstein files" have intensified scrutiny over his professional conduct and personal ties to the financier.
King Charles III broke the traditional silence of the monarchy to address the crisis directly. In an official statement, the King expressed "deepest concern" regarding the allegations but emphasised his commitment to transparency. "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," the King said. "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated by the appropriate authorities."
Following nearly 11 hours of questioning at Aylsham Police Station, Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation late Thursday evening. While he has not been formally charged, police have continued searches at his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, as well as properties in Norfolk.
Legal experts note that misconduct in public office is a serious common law offence in the UK, carrying a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The Metropolitan Police and other regional forces are reportedly coordinating with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine if further charges are warranted.