London, February 19, 2026 – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested by British police on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday, stems from allegations related to his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities from Thames Valley Police confirmed the detention of a man in his sixties from Norfolk, without naming him directly, but multiple UK media outlets identified the individual as Mountbatten-Windsor.

The investigation focuses on claims that Mountbatten-Windsor, during his tenure as a British trade envoy, may have shared confidential trade reports with Epstein around 2010. This comes amid ongoing scrutiny following the release of Epstein-related files, which have reignited public and legal interest in the former royal’s dealings with the disgraced financier. Police executed searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk, including his current residence on the royal Sandringham Estate and his former home in Windsor.

Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, has faced years of controversy over his friendship with Epstein, including previous civil settlements related to sexual misconduct allegations, which he has denied. The charge of misconduct in public office carries a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the UK. He remains in custody as the investigation continues, with no formal charges yet filed.

Thames Valley Police stated: “As part of the investigation, we have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time.” This development marks a significant escalation in the long-running Epstein scandal’s impact on the British royal family.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera: Ex-UK Prince Andrew arrested amid Epstein scandal
• The New York Times: UK Police Arrest Former Prince Andrew Over Epstein Ties
• ABC7 New York: Britain’s former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
• NBC News: Former Prince Andrew arrested following Epstein files revelations
• NPR: Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
• Texas Public Radio: Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
• CNBC: King Charles’ brother Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct
• Los Angeles Times: Former prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
• The Guardian: First Thing: Former prince Andrew arrested at Sandringham estate