A former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been released from police custody after being arrested and questioned for nearly 12 hours. The arrest is linked to allegations surrounding his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Police have stated the investigation is ongoing.
Context
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother to King Charles III, was arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Following the arrest, he was taken to Aylsham police station in Norfolk. Properties in Berkshire and Norfolk, including his former residence at Royal Lodge, were reportedly searched. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest and subsequent release of a man in his 60s, who is now "under investigation." The arrest occurred on Andrew's 66th birthday. Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein.

Timeline of Events:
Thursday Morning: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Throughout Thursday: Police searches conducted at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Thursday Evening: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released from Aylsham police station after nearly 12 hours in custody.
Evidence
Multiple news outlets reported on the arrest and release. Thames Valley Police issued statements confirming the arrest of a man in his 60s on suspicion of misconduct in public office and his subsequent release under investigation.
"Police have released Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office this morning. Thames Valley Police said in a statement he had been released under investigation." - BBC News
"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from police custody after almost 12 hours of questioning. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to his friendship with Epstein." - Irish Times
"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley police said." - The Guardian
Official Statements
King Charles III, speaking through Buckingham Palace, stated that "the law must take its course" and expressed "deepest concern" over allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
Virginia Giuffre's family have also reportedly issued a statement, though details of its content were not immediately available in the provided summaries.
Nature of Allegations
While police have not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the arrest, the timing and reporting connect it to the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files in January. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor previously held the title of UK trade envoy for a decade.
The specific nature of the "misconduct in public office" remains unclear from the provided reports.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing concerning his association with Epstein.
Royal Reaction and Family Ties
The arrest is a significant event, with reports noting Andrew is the first British royal arrested in almost 400 years. His brother, King Charles III, has publicly commented on the matter, emphasizing the legal process.

King Charles III continued his royal duties, attending a Fashion Week event.
Prince Harry was reportedly disheartened by comparisons to his uncle, Andrew.
Police Activity
Police conducted searches at multiple locations.
Norfolk: Searches at Andrew's Sandringham Estate address concluded.
Berkshire: Investigations at Royal Lodge, Andrew's former residence, are understood to be continuing.
Expert Analysis
Royal photographer Helena Chard described the arrest on Andrew's birthday as "sensationalizing the case."
Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated he provided information to the police, expressing a desire to "secure justice for trafficked women."
Conclusion
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from police custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He is now "under investigation," and police have conducted searches at properties linked to him. While the specific allegations have not been detailed by law enforcement, the events are closely tied to the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal. King Charles III has acknowledged the situation, stating that the legal process should proceed. The long-term implications of this investigation for the British royal family remain to be seen.
Key Findings:
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested and released "under investigation."
Arrest is for suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Investigation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Police conducted searches at multiple residences.
King Charles III has commented on the situation.
Next Steps: The police investigation will continue. Further details regarding the nature of the allegations and any potential charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
Sources
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-uk-police-02-19-26
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/entertainment/celebrities/2026/02/19/prince-andrew-arrest-live-updates/88753996007/
The Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-live-updates-former-prince-arrested-by-uk-police-at-sandringham-estate-amid-epstein-scandal-20260219-p5o3w7.html
The Irish Times: https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/02/19/live-updates-former-prince-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-news-arrest/
Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/2/19/live-ex-uk-prince-andrew-arrested-amid-epstein-scandal
Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/former-prince-andrew-arrested-02-19-26?msockid=2df6b1e810d86a060d81a6ee11f16bf5
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2026/feb/19/police-arrest-former-prince-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-sandringham-latest-updates