Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested and Released in Public Office Inquiry in Norfolk

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested and held for 11 hours in Norfolk. This is the first arrest of a senior royal since 1647.
By Newsroom | Crime, UK Royal Family |

A recent event saw Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was later released from police custody. This news came after a period of police looking into claims linked to his ties with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The event marks a significant moment, drawing public attention to the legal actions against a well-known public figure.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, held for about 11 hours, and then released under investigation, meaning he is neither charged nor cleared. This police action included searches at locations connected to him. The ongoing situation keeps the public focused on the process of justice in such cases. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has, in the past, said he did nothing wrong concerning his links to Epstein. The legal process continues to unfold.

Read More: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested on Misconduct Charges Linked to Jeffrey Epstein on February 19, 2026

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Events and Actions

On Thursday morning, Thames Valley Police arrested a man, identified as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in Norfolk. This arrest was on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police stated that they had given advance warning to the Home Office before the arrest. Following his arrest, he was held for around 11 hours.

Later on Thursday evening, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed leaving the Aylsham police station in a car. Police confirmed his release, stating he was released under investigation. This legal status means he has not been charged with a crime, but he has also not been cleared of the claims made against him. At the same time, police carried out searches at properties linked to him. These locations included his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and his former home, the Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire. Some of these searches were still happening after his release.

Read More: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on February 19th for misconduct in public office

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Police Actions and Searches

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was carried out by Thames Valley Police.

  • They confirmed the arrest of a man in his 60s in Norfolk on Thursday morning.

  • The reason for the arrest was suspicion of misconduct in public office.

  • Police noted that the Home Office received notice before the arrest.

Upon his release, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation.

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  • This status means that the police investigation is continuing.

  • He has not been formally accused of a crime.

  • He has also not been cleared of the suspicions.

During the police actions, searches took place at two main locations:

  • Sandringham Estate, Norfolk: This is where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor currently lives. Police officers were seen at Wood Farm on the estate.

  • Royal Lodge, Windsor, Berkshire: This was his former address. Plain-clothes officers were thought to be searching this property.

  • Reports indicated some searches were still active even after his release.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Stance

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has not made a public statement about his arrest.

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  • Before this event, he had always said he did nothing wrong regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

  • This long-held position has been a constant part of public discussions about him.

  • The recent arrest raises questions about the effect on this stated position, though no new direct response has come from him.

Allegations and Connections

The arrest and investigation are linked to previous claims and the release of documents known as the "Epstein files."

  • Thames Valley Police had previously considered investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over claims related to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

  • They were also reviewing claims that he shared private information.

  • The release of millions of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein is a known background to these events.

  • The specific details that led to this arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office have not been made public by the police. Could the specific connection between the "Epstein files revelations" and the misconduct in public office charge be clarified through future police statements?

Family and Public Response

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has led to public statements and reactions.

  • King Charles, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's brother, reportedly stated that the 'law must take its course'.

  • The family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who made claims against Jeffrey Epstein and others, shared their thanks.

  • "On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK's Thames Valley Police for their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor." (Virginia Giuffre's family)

  • This event is noted as the first arrest of a high-ranking member of the British royal family since King Charles I in 1647. This point shows the rare nature of the event in British history.

Conclusion

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation. This means police are still looking into the matter, but no charges have been made. The arrest follows long-standing claims about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and came after the release of certain documents. Police also searched properties connected to him. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has always said he is innocent in relation to his links with Epstein, but he has not commented on this specific arrest. The legal process is ongoing, and future updates from Thames Valley Police will provide more details.

Read More: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released After Arrest for Misconduct in Public Office on His Birthday

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested in Norfolk on Thursday?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police stated they had given advance warning to the Home Office before the arrest.
Q: What happened after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested?
He was held for about 11 hours and then released under investigation, meaning the police inquiry is continuing but no charges have been filed.
Q: Were any properties searched after his arrest?
Yes, police searched locations linked to him, including his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and his former home in Windsor.
Q: What is the connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
The arrest and investigation are linked to previous claims about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and the recent release of documents related to Epstein.
Q: Has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor commented on his arrest?
He has not made a public statement about this specific arrest, but he has previously stated he did nothing wrong regarding his ties to Epstein.
Q: What does 'released under investigation' mean for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
It means the police investigation is ongoing, and he has not been charged with a crime, nor has he been cleared of the suspicions against him.