FORMER PRINCE ANDREW ARRESTED IN UK ON MISCONDUCT CHARGE

FORMER PRINCE ANDREW ARRESTED IN UK ON MISCONDUCT CHARGE On 19 February 2026, UK police detained Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in public office during a probe connected to newly revealed documents relating to his past role as a British trade envoy. He was taken into custody at his residence in Norfolk, England, on the day he turned 66. Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his 60s was arrested under the charge a statement that aligns with that the former prince was the person held. Searches were also underway at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the investigation. Police say the arrest stems from allegations that, while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, Mountbatten‑Windsor may have shared confidential government documents with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein based on material included in the extensive Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice in recent weeks.
No official charges have yet been publicly filed, and the suspect remains in custody as detectives and prosecutors continue their inquiries. Images and witness reports described unmarked police cars arriving early Thursday at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where Mountbatten‑Windsor has been living since stepping back from royal duties. Plain‑clothes officers conducted searches as part of the probe.
Police are also carrying out searches at properties in Berkshire, and have stressed that those arrested and interviewed are treated as innocent until proven otherwise. Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force has “opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office” following a thorough assessment, adding that the probe continues and updates will be provided at the appropriate time. The force declined to name the arrested individual as part of national guidance. Mountbatten‑Windsor formerly known as Prince Andrew has been under intense scrutiny for years for his association with Jeffrey Epstein, including civil litigation in the US and public criticism of his ties to Epstein and his social circle.
He previously settled a high‑profile lawsuit in the US involving one of Epstein’s accusers, which further intensified public and media interest in his conduct. In late 2025, King Charles III formally removed his royal titles and duties from his brother amid the ongoing controversies a rare and striking step in modern royal history. “Misconduct in public office” is a Common Law offence in the UK that can arise when a public official abuses their position and while sentencing varies by case, it is considered a serious charge. Police have not disclosed specific alleged acts beyond the broader context of confidential information sharing.
The arrest has sparked global media coverage and intense public interest, given the former royal’s high profile.
Legal commentators note the case signals a strong application of the principle that “no one is above the law,” a sentiment echoed by UK leaders. Buckingham Palace has not yet issued a public comment on the arrest itself, though past statements indicated the royal household would support law enforcement inquiries as required.