Prince Andrew Released After Arrest on Misconduct Suspicion in Norfolk

Prince Andrew, 60s, was arrested and released by Thames Valley Police on Thursday. This is the first arrest of a senior royal in almost 400 years.
By Newsroom | UK News, Royal Family |

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has been released from police custody following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody on Thursday and released later that evening. The arrest marks a significant moment, with reports indicating he is the first senior British royal to be arrested in modern history.

Arrested Andrew is pictured being released from custody: Former Prince is driven back to Sandringham from police station after becoming the first royal to be arrested in modern times - 1

Mountbatten-Windsor was pictured leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk looking "ashen-faced" and "shellshocked," attempting to avoid photographers as he was driven back to Sandringham. Thames Valley Police confirmed that "a man in his sixties" was released "under investigation," a status meaning he has neither been charged nor cleared of any wrongdoing.

Arrested Andrew is pictured being released from custody: Former Prince is driven back to Sandringham from police station after becoming the first royal to be arrested in modern times - 2

The arrest is reportedly connected to inquiries stemming from his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Police have been searching properties associated with Mountbatten-Windsor in Norfolk and Berkshire.

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

Arrested Andrew is pictured being released from custody: Former Prince is driven back to Sandringham from police station after becoming the first royal to be arrested in modern times - 3

Arrest and Release Details

On Thursday, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This followed an inquiry into his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He was held for nearly 12 hours before his release. Images showed him being driven from the police station, appearing subdued. Thames Valley Police stated the investigation is ongoing.

Arrested Andrew is pictured being released from custody: Former Prince is driven back to Sandringham from police station after becoming the first royal to be arrested in modern times - 4

Royal Family and Public Response

The situation has drawn significant attention. King Charles III released an unprecedented statement expressing his "deepest concern" and stating that "the law must take its course." Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also reportedly provided information to the police, expressing a desire to "secure justice for trafficked women."

The Nature of the Allegations

While specific details of the misconduct in public office allegation are not fully elaborated in the provided texts, reports suggest it relates to whether Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein in his capacity as a trade envoy. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his associations and relationships.

Read More: Republic Claims It Caused Prince Andrew's Arrest, Demands King Charles and Prince William Speak Out

Historical Context

The arrest of a senior member of the British royal family is highly unusual. Reports highlight that this is the first such arrest in nearly 400 years. Mountbatten-Windsor has been known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in recent public references.

Ongoing Investigation

Following his release, Mountbatten-Windsor remains "under investigation" by Thames Valley Police. This status indicates that the police inquiry is continuing, and no formal charges have been filed. Searches of his properties have been conducted as part of this ongoing investigation.

  • Actor: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

  • Allegation: Misconduct in public office

  • Investigating Body: Thames Valley Police

  • Context: Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

  • Outcome: Released under investigation

Sources Used

  • Article 1 (Daily Mail): Details of Andrew's release, his appearance, police statement, and King Charles's reaction.

  • Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15575407/Andrew-released-custody-Shamed-former-Prince-walks-free-police-station-arrested.html

  • Article 3 (AP News): Confirms arrest, ongoing searches, denial of wrongdoing, and release under investigation status.

  • Link: https://apnews.com/article/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-fb0b9e738bf7ede10651914ee3f3583d

  • Article 4 (CNN): Notes the historical significance of the arrest, the charge of misconduct in public office, and the location of his arrest.

  • Link: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/19/uk/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-what-we-know-intl

  • Article 5 (NBC News): Connects the arrest to Epstein revelations, mentions searches, and his denial of sexual misconduct.

  • Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/united-kingdom/former-prince-andrew-arrested-epstein-files-revelations-rcna259691

  • Article 6 (PBS NewsHour): Reinforces the historical context of the arrest and the suspicion of misconduct.

  • Link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/former-prince-andrew-is-the-first-senior-british-royal-arrested-in-nearly-400-years-heres-what-to-know

  • Article 7 (The Irish Times): Provides details on the duration of custody, the release "under investigation," and mentions statements from King Charles III and Gordon Brown.

  • Link: https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/02/19/live-updates-former-prince-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-news-arrest/

  • Article 8 (People): Mentions the date of arrest, the suspicion of misconduct, and the potential link to sharing confidential information with Epstein.

  • Link: https://people.com/ex-prince-andrew-arrested-police-search-homes-11906142

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Prince Andrew arrested in Norfolk on Thursday?
Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This is linked to police inquiries about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He was held for nearly 12 hours before being released.
Q: What does 'released under investigation' mean for Prince Andrew?
Being released under investigation means the police inquiry is still happening. Prince Andrew has not been charged with a crime, but he has not been cleared either.
Q: What are the specific allegations against Prince Andrew?
Reports suggest the misconduct allegation may involve sharing confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein when he was a trade envoy. Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
Q: Is this the first time a senior royal has been arrested?
Police confirmed that a man in his sixties was released under investigation. Reports state this is the first arrest of a senior British royal in nearly 400 years.
Q: What has the Royal Family said about the arrest?
King Charles III released a statement saying he has 'deepest concern' and that 'the law must take its course'. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also reportedly gave information to the police.
Q: What happens next in the investigation?
Thames Valley Police are continuing their investigation. They have also searched properties linked to Prince Andrew in Norfolk and Berkshire as part of the ongoing inquiry.