Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother to King Charles III, has been released from police custody and remains under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest occurred on Thursday morning, the same day as his 66th birthday. Police forces conducted searches at addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire, including locations at the Sandringham Estate where Mountbatten-Windsor resides and the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Date of Arrest: Thursday morning.
Suspected Offense: Misconduct in public office.
Current Status: Released under investigation; not charged.
Searched Locations: Norfolk and Berkshire addresses, including Sandringham Estate and Royal Lodge.
The investigation is reportedly linked to allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government material with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to his association with Epstein.
Arrest and Release Unfold
The events began early Thursday morning with unmarked police cars observed at the Sandringham Estate. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk at approximately 8:00 AM GMT. Searches were subsequently carried out at multiple addresses.
Later that evening, Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk. He was released under investigation, a status indicating neither guilt nor innocence.
"We have arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk." - Thames Valley Police statement
Investigation's Roots and Wider Context
Reports suggest the investigation stems from allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reportedly submitted further information to the authorities in relation to this matter.
King Charles III has publicly stated that "the law must take its course," with the Prince and Princess of Wales understood to support the King's position. Mountbatten-Windsor himself has not made a public comment on his arrest.
Allegations: Sharing confidential government documents with Jeffrey Epstein.
Role in Question: Potential misconduct during his time as UK trade envoy.
Family Stance: King Charles III supports the legal process.
Key Developments and Observations
The arrest and subsequent release on investigation mark a significant development following previous police considerations into allegations surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein. The police had previously stated they were reviewing allegations of shared confidential material.
Read More: Former Prince Andrew Released After Arrest Linked to Epstein Files in Norfolk
Police Action: Arrest and searches of properties.
Mountbatten-Windsor's Position: Previously stripped of royal titles due to his association with Epstein.
Legal Status: Released under investigation; no charges filed at this time.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing concerning his association with Epstein. The investigation is ongoing.
Sources Used
BBC News (Article 1): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c70kjr9wjw0t - Live updates detailing the unfolding events of the arrest and release.
BBC News (Article 2): https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx28yel4811o - Reports on the release and the specific nature of the suspicion.
CNN (Article 3): https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-uk-police-02-19-26 - Provides context on the arrest, his relation to the King, and his release status.
The Independent (Article 4): https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-epstein-king-charles-latest-updates-b2923586.html - Details the arrest, property searches, and release status.
STV News (Article 5): https://news.stv.tv/scotland/andrew-released-under-investigation-after-misconduct-in-public-office-arrest - Mentions Gordon Brown's involvement and the nature of the investigation.
CBC News (Article 6): https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/livestory/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-uk-police-epstein-files-9.7096935 - Focuses on his release under investigation and the meaning of that status.
Globalnews.ca (Article 7): https://globalnews.ca/news/11674639/prince-andrew-released-arrest-misconduct-jeffrey-epstein-mountbatten-windsor/ - States the specific allegations linking the arrest to confidential documents sent to Epstein.
NPR (Article 8): https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5719098/former-prince-andrew-arrested-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office-reports - Confirms King Charles III's statement and the police's conclusion of searches.
Al Jazeera (Article 9): https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/02/19/ex-price-andrew-arrested-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office - Reaffirms Mountbatten-Windsor's denial of wrongdoing and mentions the confidential memo concerning Afghanistan.
