Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested by UK Police on February 19 2026 for Misconduct in Public Office

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on February 19, 2026. This is the first time a former royal has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
By Newsroom | UK Crime, Royal Family |

Investigation Enters New Phase with Former Royal's Arrest

The detention of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, by UK police marks a significant development in ongoing investigations linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The arrest, which occurred on the Sandringham estate, has prompted statements from King Charles III, emphasizing that "the law must take its course." Police have also initiated searches at Royal Lodge, Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence, raising questions about the scope and direction of the inquiry. The situation has drawn attention from US lawmakers, with a number speaking out following the news.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested LIVE updates: Former prince arrested by UK police at Sandringham estate amid Epstein scandal; King Charles issues statement - 1

Timeline and Key Events

  • February 19, 2026: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at the Sandringham Estate. The arrest occurred around 08:00 GMT.

  • Arrest Basis: He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

  • Detention Duration: As of early reporting, Mountbatten-Windsor had been in police custody for over eight hours, exceeding the initial 24-hour limit, necessitating police to seek further authorization for continued detention.

  • Searches: Police were observed searching Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home, located on the Windsor estate. Multiple police vehicles were seen at the property.

  • Official Statements: King Charles III released a statement expressing his "deepest concern" and reiterated that "the law must take its course." Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commented, stating "nobody is above the law."

Evidence of Detention and Investigation

News reports confirm the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Multiple outlets cite police presence at Sandringham for the detention and at Royal Lodge for searches. The basis for the arrest, "suspicion of misconduct in public office," is consistently reported across sources. The duration of detention exceeding initial limits suggests the police believe there are grounds for further investigation.

Read More: King Charles 'Deeply Concerned' After Prince Andrew Arrested on Birthday in Norfolk

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested LIVE updates: Former prince arrested by UK police at Sandringham estate amid Epstein scandal; King Charles issues statement - 2

  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

  • The arrest took place at the Sandringham Estate.

  • Searches are being conducted at Royal Lodge, his former residence.

  • King Charles III has stated that the law must take its course.

The Basis for Arrest: Misconduct in Public Office

The specific charge of "misconduct in public office" is central to the ongoing investigation. This legal term implies a breach of duty by someone in a position of public trust.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested LIVE updates: Former prince arrested by UK police at Sandringham estate amid Epstein scandal; King Charles issues statement - 3

  • Legal Framework: Police can initially detain an individual for up to 24 hours if they have "reasonable grounds" to suspect a crime has been committed. This period can be extended with authorization.

  • Connection to Epstein Files: Reports indicate that revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files played a role in the events leading to the arrest. However, the precise nature of the misconduct linked to these files remains to be detailed.

  • "Public Office" Definition: Given Mountbatten-Windsor's former royal status, the definition of "public office" in this context may be subject to interpretation, particularly concerning his historical roles and public duties.

Royal Family and Political Reactions

The arrest has prompted responses from prominent figures within the UK and the US.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested LIVE updates: Former prince arrested by UK police at Sandringham estate amid Epstein scandal; King Charles issues statement - 4

  • King Charles III's Stance: The King's statement conveys a clear message of deference to the legal process. While expressing concern, he avoids interference, underscoring the principle that legal proceedings should proceed unimpeded.

  • Support for the King: Reports suggest Prince William and Kate Middleton are aligned with the King's statement, presenting a united front.

  • Political Commentary: Prime Minister Keir Starmer's remarks reinforce the notion of legal accountability for all individuals, regardless of their background.

  • US Lawmaker Involvement: The mention of US lawmakers speaking out suggests an international dimension to the public discourse surrounding this event, potentially due to the broader implications of the Epstein scandal.

The Role of Sandringham and Royal Lodge

The locations of the arrest and subsequent searches are significant.

  • Sandringham Estate: This Norfolk estate is a private royal residence, and the arrest occurring there raises questions about access and the circumstances under which police operations can be conducted on royal property.

  • Royal Lodge: The ongoing searches at Royal Lodge, Mountbatten-Windsor's former home in Windsor, suggest police are seeking evidence or information relevant to their investigation. The status of the property and what might be found there are points of active inquiry.

Expert Analysis and Implications

Legal analysts are examining the implications of the arrest and the charge of misconduct in public office.

"The arrest of a former royal on such grounds is unprecedented and suggests a substantial level of evidence has been presented to warrant such action. The coming days will be crucial in understanding the specific allegations and the direction of the investigation."

  • Legal experts note that misconduct in public office is a serious offense that requires proving a betrayal of public trust.

  • The connection to the Epstein files implies that the investigation may be delving into historical activities and associations.

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor represents a significant escalation in investigations connected to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The charge of misconduct in public office, coupled with searches at his former residence and statements from the King, indicates a formal legal process is underway. The coming period will likely involve further police interviews, potential charges, and a closer examination of the evidence that has led to this point. The involvement of multiple police constabularies suggests a coordinated effort across different jurisdictions. The implications for the royal family and the wider public discourse on accountability remain to be seen as the investigation progresses.

Read More: King Charles Supports Police Probe After Prince Andrew Arrested on February 19th

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested by UK police?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on February 19, 2026, at the Sandringham Estate around 8 AM GMT. He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Q: What is the reason for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest?
The arrest is based on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a charge related to a breach of duty by someone in a public trust position. This development is linked to ongoing investigations connected to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Q: Where did the arrest and searches take place?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at the Sandringham Estate. Police have also been conducting searches at Royal Lodge, his former residence on the Windsor estate.
Q: What has King Charles III said about the arrest?
King Charles III has stated that he is deeply concerned but stressed that 'the law must take its course,' indicating no interference in the legal process. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commented that no one is above the law.
Q: How long has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been in custody?
As of the initial reports on February 19, 2026, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been in police custody for over eight hours. Police needed to seek further authorization to keep him detained beyond the initial 24-hour limit.