King Charles Expresses Deepest Concern Over Prince Andrew's Arrest on February 19, 2026

Prince Andrew was arrested on his birthday, February 19, 2026. This is the first time a senior royal has been arrested in modern history.
By Newsroom | Royalty, UK News |

Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday on Thursday, a development that has prompted a formal statement of "deepest concern" from his brother, King Charles III. The arrest, carried out by Thames Valley Police, follows allegations stemming from the release of millions of pages of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This marks the first time a senior royal has been arrested in modern history. Neither King Charles nor Buckingham Palace was reportedly informed of the arrest in advance.

King expresses ‘deepest concern’ over Andrew’s arrest - 1

Background of the Arrest and Investigations

Prince Andrew was taken into custody on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is linked to police assessing a complaint regarding the alleged sharing of confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein. The release of extensive files connected to Epstein in January brought renewed attention to Andrew's past associations. Several police forces across the UK, including those in Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Wiltshire, and Scotland, are reportedly reviewing information related to the Epstein probes. The National Crime Agency is also supporting these investigations.

Read More: Prince Andrew Arrested on February 19 2026 Over Epstein Ties

King expresses ‘deepest concern’ over Andrew’s arrest - 2

  • Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing concerning his links to Epstein.

  • He has not directly responded to the latest allegations, which coincide with the release of the Epstein files.

  • Police are conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, believed to be connected to Andrew.

  • The investigation is active, and authorities have cautioned against publications that could lead to contempt of court.

King Charles's Official Response

King Charles III released a statement expressing his profound distress over his brother's arrest.

King expresses ‘deepest concern’ over Andrew’s arrest - 3

"My family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."

This statement indicates the King's commitment to his royal duties despite the personal upheaval. It is understood that the Prince and Princess of Wales also support the King's position.

King expresses ‘deepest concern’ over Andrew’s arrest - 4

Prince Andrew's Past and Scrutiny

Prince Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has been a subject of public scrutiny for years, particularly after Epstein's conviction. Andrew has maintained he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.

  • The arrest follows weeks of increased focus on Andrew's past friendship with Epstein.

  • Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to these associations.

  • He was forced to move from Royal Lodge to a smaller residence on the King's Sandringham Estate.

  • King Charles has reduced Andrew's annual allowance and security funding.

The arrest is considered the most significant legal consequence Prince Andrew has faced to date. British law currently prevents the naming of suspects at this early stage of an active investigation.

  • Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk.

  • The family of Virginia Giuffre, whose allegations against Andrew were instrumental in years of scrutiny, welcomed the arrest, stating, "No one is above the law."

  • David Lammy, identified as Deputy Prime Minister in one report, has stated that the law should take its course.

  • Policing commentator Danny Shaw suggested that Andrew could be held for an extended period.

Expert Analysis

"We are in close contact with the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police regarding high-profile individuals," stated the CPS, commenting on their involvement in investigations related to Epstein and his associates in the UK. This indicates a coordinated effort between law enforcement and judicial bodies.

Conclusion and Implications

The arrest of Prince Andrew marks a critical juncture in the ongoing investigations tied to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. King Charles's statement underscores the gravity of the situation for the Royal Family, while reaffirming their commitment to public service. The active legal process means further details are likely to emerge as investigations proceed. The coming days will reveal more about the specific allegations and the duration of Andrew's custody, as well as the broader implications for the monarchy.

Read More: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested on His Birthday for Misconduct in Public Office in Norfolk

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Prince Andrew arrested on February 19, 2026?
Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This is linked to police looking into claims about sharing confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein.
Q: What did King Charles say about Prince Andrew's arrest?
King Charles III said he has 'deepest concern' about his brother's arrest. He also said his family will keep serving the public.
Q: Who was not told about Prince Andrew's arrest before it happened?
Neither King Charles nor Buckingham Palace knew about the arrest before it took place.
Q: What is Prince Andrew accused of doing?
Police are assessing a complaint that Prince Andrew may have shared confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein.
Q: What happens next after Prince Andrew's arrest?
Police are continuing their investigations and searches. The legal process is active, and more details are expected to come out.