Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested for Misconduct in Public Office on His 66th Birthday

Prince Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday for misconduct in public office. Police are still searching his home, Royal Lodge. He has been released while police investigate.
By Newsroom | Royal Family, UK News |

Police searches at Royal Lodge, the long-time home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, continue for a second day. Mountbatten-Windsor, brother to King Charles, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation. The events unfold as his family’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein remain a subject of public discourse.

Timeline of Events

On Thursday, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at approximately 08:00 GMT on the King's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. He was taken to a police station for questioning. Later that evening, he was released from custody. Police have continued to search Royal Lodge, his residence on the Windsor estate, while searches at a property on the Sandringham estate have concluded.

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Arrest and Release

Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest occurred on his 66th birthday. He was released under investigation, a process where police do not charge a suspect but continue to gather evidence. This approach differs from police bail, which can impose restrictions on a suspect's liberty.

Read More: Prince Andrew Arrested in Norfolk on 19 February 2026 as King Charles Says Law Must Take Its Course

"Police bail – release with restrictions on liberty, pending the outcome of the investigation. But officers can only impose conditions if they are necessary to prevent the suspect from going on the run, committing an offence or interfering with the investigation in some other way." - BBC News

Public and Royal Reactions

The arrest has drawn reactions from various figures. Donald Trump expressed sadness, stating he was "very sad to see Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested." The family of Virginia Giuffre reportedly thanked King Charles for his stance, calling Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest "a win."

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King Charles, when asked about his brother's arrest at an event, stated, "The law must take its course," before departing without answering further questions.

Ongoing Investigations

The scope and duration of the ongoing investigation remain unspecified. Police have not named Mountbatten-Windsor personally in connection with the arrest, adhering to standard procedure. The searches at Royal Lodge are continuing, suggesting that evidence collection is ongoing.

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What specifically is the misconduct in public office that police are investigating? The exact nature of the allegations has not been made public.

Are there any immediate restrictions placed on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's movements or activities? As he was released under investigation rather than on bail with conditions, it is unclear if any restrictions are in place.

Read More: Prince Andrew Arrested in Norfolk on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office

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Expert Analysis

Legal correspondent discussions highlight that a release under investigation signifies that police believe they need more time to gather evidence before deciding on potential charges. The lack of immediate charges does not preclude future action.

Conclusion

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from custody pending further investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. Police continue to search his residence, Royal Lodge, as the investigation proceeds. While some public figures have reacted, official statements from the Royal Family have been measured, emphasizing that legal processes must be followed. The implications for Mountbatten-Windsor and the wider Royal Family will depend on the outcome of the ongoing police inquiry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on Thursday, February 20, 2026?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest happened on his 66th birthday at the King's Sandringham Estate.
Q: What is happening at Royal Lodge after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest?
Police are continuing to search Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's home. Searches at a property on the Sandringham estate have finished. The searches suggest police are still collecting evidence.
Q: Has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been charged with a crime?
No, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation. This means police are gathering more evidence before deciding if they will charge him. He is not on police bail with restrictions.
Q: What has King Charles said about his brother's arrest?
King Charles stated that 'The law must take its course' when asked about his brother's arrest. He did not answer further questions at the time.
Q: What is the connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
The arrest comes as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's past connections to Jeffrey Epstein are still being discussed by the public. The exact nature of the misconduct allegations is not yet public.