Prince Andrew Arrested on February 19th for Misconduct in Public Office

Prince Andrew's arrest on February 19th is the first time a senior royal has been arrested in modern history. This follows revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
By Newsroom | UK News, Royal Family |

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday, February 19th, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, carried out by Thames Valley Police, occurred on his birthday and involved police searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. This event marks the first time a senior royal has been arrested in modern history. King Charles has stated that "the law must take its course," while Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented that "nobody is above the law." The arrest follows revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which have led to claims that Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared confidential government information.

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Arrest Details and Police Action

On the morning of Thursday, February 19th, plain-clothed police officers arrived at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, the King's private property where Mountbatten-Windsor was located. Unmarked police cars and approximately eight officers were observed entering Wood Farm, described as Mountbatten-Windsor's temporary residence. Some officers were seen carrying what appeared to be police-issued laptops. Searches were also reported at Royal Lodge, Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence on the Windsor estate. Police have confirmed that Mountbatten-Windsor is in police custody, where he could be held for up to 24 hours. The royal family reportedly did not receive advance warning of the arrest.

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

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Allegations and Royal Status

The arrest is based on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Specific allegations that have surfaced include the sharing of reports from trade visits, forwarding a confidential briefing on investment in Afghanistan, and passing a Treasury briefing to a personal business contact. These actions are reportedly linked to revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files. Thames Valley Police have been reviewing these allegations. It is understood that Mountbatten-Windsor's royal status was not considered a factor in the assessment of the case, and that his position should not legally alter how the investigation is handled. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

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

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Royal Family and Public Reaction

King Charles III has acknowledged the arrest, expressing his "deepest concern" and reiterating that "the law must take its course." This statement comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing efforts by the Royal Family to manage reputational fallout. The arrest is considered unprecedented in recent royal history.

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Official Statements and Context

  • Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

  • King Charles stated, "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office."

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked, "Nobody is above the law."

The arrest occurred approximately two weeks after an anti-royal organization reportedly called for an investigation into documents suggesting Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein when he served as a British trade envoy. Mountbatten-Windsor had previously been removed from the royal inner circle due to his ties with Epstein.

Key Evidence

FactSource Article(s)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Arrest occurred on his 66th birthday (February 19th)2, 4, 6, 7
Suspicion of misconduct in public office1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Arrest conducted by Thames Valley Police1, 2, 3, 5, 7
Police searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk2
Police seen at Sandringham Estate2, 3, 5
Police seen at Royal Lodge (former residence)4, 8
King Charles's statement: "the law must take its course"1, 4, 9
Jeffrey Epstein files cited as context4, 5, 8
Mountbatten-Windsor previously denied wrongdoing (Epstein)1
First senior royal arrested in modern history3, 5

Expert Analysis and Commentary

Royal commentator Sara Jabakhanji described the move as "unprecedented."

Royal correspondent stated that Andrew's royal status should have no bearing on the handling of the investigation, implying that the legal process is intended to be impartial.

Read More: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at Sandringham on February 19th

Findings and Implications

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor represents a significant and unprecedented development involving the British monarchy. The grounds for the arrest, suspicion of misconduct in public office, are linked to allegations of sharing confidential government documents, with the Jeffrey Epstein files serving as a prominent reference point in media reports. The involvement of Thames Valley Police and the official statements from King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscore the seriousness of the situation and the principle that no individual is above the law. The police actions, including searches and custody, suggest an active and formal investigation is underway.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Prince Andrew arrested on February 19th?
Prince Andrew was arrested on February 19th, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police searched properties in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the investigation.
Q: What are the specific allegations against Prince Andrew?
The allegations include sharing confidential government information, such as reports from trade visits and a briefing on investment in Afghanistan, with a business contact. These claims are linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Q: What was the Royal Family's reaction to the arrest?
King Charles III expressed deep concern and stated that 'the law must take its course.' Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commented that 'nobody is above the law.'
Q: What does 'misconduct in public office' mean in this case?
It means Prince Andrew is suspected of misusing his position as a public official to share confidential government information improperly, which is a criminal offense.
Q: Has Prince Andrew denied these allegations before?
Yes, Prince Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
Q: Is this the first time a senior royal has been arrested?
Yes, this is considered the first time a senior royal has been arrested in modern history.