Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released after February 2026 arrest as police search Royal Lodge for evidence

Police are searching Royal Lodge for the second day after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. This is a major investigation into whether he shared secret government files with Jeffrey Epstein.
By Newsroom | Crime, United Kingdom |

Investigation Underway Following Public Office Misconduct Allegations

Police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and the younger brother of King Charles, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Following his arrest, he was released under investigation. Simultaneously, police continue to conduct searches at properties linked to Mountbatten-Windsor, including his former residence at Royal Lodge in Berkshire. The investigation is reportedly connected to allegations involving his association with Jeffrey Epstein, specifically concerning the sharing of confidential information while he served as a trade envoy.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest LIVE: Police continue Royal Lodge search after former prince released under investigation - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Figures

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor occurred at the Sandringham Estate. Following his apprehension, he was taken to Aylsham police station in Norfolk, where he was questioned. Later that evening, he was photographed leaving the station in a vehicle. Thames Valley Police confirmed his release under investigation, a status indicating that he has neither been charged nor cleared. The Cabinet Office may be involved, with reports suggesting officials might review government records related to Mountbatten-Windsor's past role as a trade envoy.

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Evidence and Official Statements

"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office." - Thames Valley Police

  • Police confirm the arrest and subsequent release under investigation.

  • Searches are ongoing at addresses connected to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, including Royal Lodge.

  • The nature of the suspicion is "misconduct in public office."

  • Reports suggest a potential link to allegations of sharing confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein.

  • US officials have indicated a readiness to "act" on Epstein investigation files following the arrest.

Search Operations at Royal Lodge

Police activity at Royal Lodge in Berkshire, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home, has been observed continuing. Early morning reports noted that vehicle activity, including the departure of what appeared to be people carriers used to transport uniformed officers the previous day, was visible around the entrance to Windsor Great Park, approximately 100 meters from the lodge. Thames Valley Police have stated they have no further updates beyond their initial statement that searches were still in progress.

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Nature of the Investigation: Misconduct in Public Office

The core of the police investigation centers on the allegation of "misconduct in public office" against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. This charge implies an abuse of power or a failure to act within the bounds of his official duties. Reports from sources like the BBC suggest this relates to claims that he shared confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein. The involvement of US officials in relation to Epstein's investigation files further underscores the potential gravity of the matters being examined.

Read More: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released from police on 19 February 2026 after 11 hours of questioning about his past job.

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Release Under Investigation: What It Means

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's release "under investigation" means that the police investigation is ongoing. This legal status is distinct from being charged with a crime or being released without further action. It allows police to continue their inquiries, gather further evidence, and potentially bring charges at a later date. As stated by officials, this status signifies that Mountbatten-Windsor has neither been exonerated nor formally accused of any offense at this time.

Potential Role of Government Records

The possibility that government records could be relevant to the investigation has emerged. The Times has reported that officials within the Cabinet Office might review documents pertaining to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's tenure as a trade envoy. Such a review could aim to ascertain if any actions or communications during that period align with the allegations of misconduct in public office.

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Conclusion and Next Steps

The arrest and subsequent release under investigation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor mark a significant development. Police are actively pursuing leads, as evidenced by the ongoing searches at properties associated with him. The specific allegations of misconduct in public office, particularly those linked to Jeffrey Epstein and the potential sharing of confidential information, form the central focus. Further actions will likely depend on the evidence gathered during the ongoing police inquiries and any subsequent review of government records. The situation remains fluid, with police continuing their operational activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did police arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Sandringham in February 2026?
Police arrested him because they think he did something wrong while working for the government. They are looking at whether he shared private information with Jeffrey Epstein when he was a trade envoy.
Q: What does it mean that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation?
It means the police let him go home, but they are still looking for more facts. He is not charged with a crime yet, but the police are still checking his files and history.
Q: Why are police searching the Royal Lodge home in Berkshire right now?
Officers are looking for papers or computers that might show if a crime happened. They have been at the house for over 24 hours to find evidence about his past work and meetings.
Q: How is the Jeffrey Epstein case linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest?
Police are checking if Andrew gave secret government files to Epstein many years ago. Officials in the United States say they might share their own files to help the UK police with this new case.
Q: Will the UK government check old records about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's job?
Yes, the Cabinet Office might look at old notes from when he was a trade envoy. They want to see if his actions at that time broke any laws about how government workers must behave.