Investigation Launched into Former Prince's Conduct
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a younger brother of King Charles III, has been released from police custody and remains under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest and subsequent searches are linked to allegations concerning his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, specifically claims that confidential material may have been shared. The developments are being closely observed internationally, with a US Congressman noting the scrutiny from Washington.

Timeline and Key Events
On Thursday morning, Thames Valley Police arrested a man in his 60s in Norfolk, identified as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Searches were conducted at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, including a property on the Sandringham Estate. The arrest occurred on Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday. He was subsequently released from police custody under investigation.

Arrest: A man in his 60s was arrested on Thursday morning.
Searches: Police conducted searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Release: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released from custody later on Thursday.
Investigation Status: He remains under investigation, meaning he has neither been charged nor exonerated.
Evidence of Arrest and Release
Multiple news outlets reported on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest and subsequent release. Eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence show him leaving a police station in Norfolk. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest and release under investigation.
Read More: Search for Missing 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie Uses Pacemaker Signals in Tucson Desert

"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, police said." (Independent)
"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from custody under investigation." (STV News)
"He was released under investigation, police said, meaning he has neither been charged nor exonerated." (CBC)
Allegations of Misconduct
The arrest is reportedly tied to allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein. Police had previously stated they were reviewing claims related to his association with the late sex offender.

Misconduct in Public Office: The specific offense cited by police.
Confidential Material: Allegations involve the sharing of sensitive government information.
Epstein Association: The investigation stems from his known connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Stance
Throughout previous allegations related to Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has not commented publicly on his recent arrest.
Denial of Wrongdoing: Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied allegations of misconduct.
No Public Comment: He has remained silent regarding the current arrest.
Official and Royal Reactions
Thames Valley Police reportedly informed the Home Office in advance of the arrest. King Charles III has stated that "law must take its course," and the Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King's statement. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stated he has provided further information to the authorities regarding the matter.
Advance Warning: Home Office was informed prior to the arrest.
King's Statement: King Charles III emphasized the legal process.
Further Information: Gordon Brown has submitted additional details to the police.
International Scrutiny
The developments are being monitored internationally, with one US Congressman indicating that the situation is being watched closely in Washington. It is noted that being named in Epstein's files does not automatically imply wrongdoing, and the King's brother cannot be legally compelled to give testimony in the US.
Read More: Prince Andrew Arrested on Thursday for Misconduct in Public Office Linked to Epstein
US Observation: The events are under close watch in the United States.
Epstein Files Context: Inclusion in these files does not constitute proof of guilt.
Testimony Limitations: The former prince is not legally bound to testify in the US.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Searches have been conducted, and while the individual has been released from custody, the investigation is ongoing. The precise nature of the alleged misconduct, particularly concerning the sharing of confidential material, remains central to the inquiry. Further developments are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Sources:
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c70kjr9wjw0t (Live updates, published 12 hours ago)
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx28yel4811o (Detailed report, published 10 hours ago)
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-epstein-king-charles-latest-updates-b2923586.html (Live updates, published 12 hours ago)
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-uk-police-02-19-26 (Live updates, published 12 hours ago)
STV News: https://news.stv.tv/scotland/andrew-released-under-investigation-after-misconduct-in-public-office-arrest (Report, published 2 hours ago)
Globalnews.ca: https://globalnews.ca/news/11674639/prince-andrew-released-arrest-misconduct-jeffrey-epstein-mountbatten-windsor/ (Report, published 1 hour ago)
CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/livestory/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-uk-police-epstein-files-9.7096935 (Live updates, published 12 hours ago)
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5719098/former-prince-andrew-arrested-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office-reports (Report, published 22 hours ago)
Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/19/ex-price-andrew-arrested-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office (Report, published 12 hours ago)