Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested and taken into police custody. The detention, confirmed by law enforcement, centers on allegations of misconduct in public office. This development follows extensive public scrutiny and new information emerging from files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Background to the Arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, the day he turned 66. The arrest occurred at his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Unmarked police vehicles and officers were observed at Wood Farm, his home on the estate, as well as at Royal Lodge in Berkshire.
Law enforcement agencies have not officially named the individual detained, adhering to standard UK legal practice. However, multiple news outlets have identified the arrested party as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The arrest is linked to allegations that he may have shared sensitive information while serving as a UK trade envoy, particularly in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. This claim is reportedly being assessed by Thames Valley Police.
Official Statements and Royal Reaction
Authorities have confirmed the arrest but have not yet laid formal charges. The police statement indicated that a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"We arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has been taken into custody for questioning."
King Charles, brother of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, acknowledged the news with "deepest concern." In a public statement, he emphasized that "the law must take its course." He also stated that law enforcement has his "full and wholehearted support and cooperation" in their investigation. The King reportedly proceeded with scheduled public engagements on the day of the arrest.
Read More: Prince Andrew Arrested on February 19 2026 Over Epstein Ties
"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. The law must take its course."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, when asked about the arrest, stated that "nobody is above the law."
Allegations and Previous Scrutiny
The arrest follows weeks of heightened attention stemming from revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's long-standing friendship with Epstein, a convicted sex offender, has been a subject of controversy for years. While Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied allegations of sexual offenses made by Virginia Giuffre, this arrest is specifically tied to his conduct in a public office.
Reports suggest police are examining claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor provided confidential trade reports to Epstein during his tenure as an international trade envoy.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was previously stripped of his military titles and royal patronages due to his association with Epstein.
Scope of the Investigation
Police are conducting searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's residences in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the ongoing inquiry. While the arrest is for suspicion of misconduct in public office, sources indicate that no sexual offenses have been charged at this time. This marks a significant development, as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reported to be the first senior British royal in centuries to be arrested.
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Expert Analysis
Legal analysts and commentators have noted the unprecedented nature of a senior royal being taken into custody. The focus on "misconduct in public office" suggests the investigation may explore abuse of power or disclosure of sensitive information beyond the allegations directly linked to Epstein's sex trafficking activities.
"The distinction between an arrest for misconduct in public office and allegations of sexual offenses is critical. This points to a potential focus on how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor conducted himself in his official capacities."
The timing of the arrest, on his birthday and while King Charles is on the throne, adds layers of complexity to the situation.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The investigation is ongoing, with police conducting searches and questioning the former prince. The response from Buckingham Palace and the UK government underscores the principle that legal processes will proceed without prejudice. The focus remains on the allegations of misuse of public office, a matter that will be subject to further inquiry and potential legal proceedings. The situation is a developing one, with significant implications for the British monarchy and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's public standing.
Read More: King Charles Expresses Deepest Concern Over Prince Andrew's Arrest on February 19, 2026
Sources:
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c70kjr9wjw0t - Published 5 hours ago. Provides live updates and details on the King's reaction.
AP News: https://apnews.com/article/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-582dfea743b6174d2dfe56466d2f4981 - Published 3 hours ago. Includes details on the police statement and legal norms regarding naming individuals.
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9e1q4797wo - Published 3 hours ago. Focuses on the reasons for the arrest and the timing related to his birthday.
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-prince-andrew-arrested-epstein-files-suspected-misconduct-public-office/ - Published 4 hours ago. Links the arrest to Epstein files and quotes Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/19/uk/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-what-we-know-intl - Published 1 hour ago. Notes he is the first senior royal arrested in modern history and clarifies no sexual offenses have been charged.
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/19/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-what-we-know-so-far - Published 3 hours ago. Details the location of the arrest and the nature of the allegations being assessed.
NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/united-kingdom/former-prince-andrew-arrested-epstein-files-revelations-rcna259691 - Published 4 hours ago. Connects the arrest to Epstein revelations and the Giuffre family statement.
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5719098/former-prince-andrew-arrested-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office-reports - Published 15 hours ago. Highlights King Charles's statement and the police examining claims about trade reports.
