Former Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office on 66th Birthday
London – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, on his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, which occurred at his residence at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, marks a significant escalation in scrutiny surrounding his past associations and actions while serving as a special representative for international trade. The news has sent ripples through the British monarchy and reignited public debate about accountability and privilege within the royal family.
The arrest comes as the Thames Valley Police continue to investigate allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared confidential government documents with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in recently released U.S. Government files. These files, made public earlier this month, have intensified pressure on the former prince, prompting a renewed examination of his relationship with Epstein and the potential compromise of sensitive information. The investigation centers on whether Mountbatten-Windsor’s actions constituted a breach of official duties and potentially endangered national security. Police arrived at Wood Farm with a discreet operation, involving six unmarked vehicles and approximately eight plainclothes officers, according to reports.
A History of Controversy and Scrutiny
Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has been embroiled in controversy for years, primarily stemming from his close association with Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was arrested in Florida in July 2019 and charged with sex trafficking of minors. He died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial. Mountbatten-Windsor’s friendship with Epstein, and subsequent allegations of sexual abuse made by Virginia Giuffre, led to a public relations crisis for the royal family. Giuffre alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and abused by Mountbatten-Windsor, claims he has consistently denied. In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre, but the details of the agreement remain confidential.
The fallout from the Epstein scandal led to Mountbatten-Windsor stepping down from his royal duties in November 2019. He relinquished his military affiliations and patronages, and effectively withdrew from public life. In October 2022, King Charles III initiated the process to remove his brother’s royal titles and honors. Mountbatten-Windsor was subsequently stripped of his title as Duke of York and is now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The King also requested that his brother vacate Royal Lodge, a 30-room mansion on the Windsor estate, a move that was expedited by the recent release of the Epstein files. He moved to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, while his permanent home undergoes renovations.
The Role of Special Representative and Allegations of Misconduct
From 2001 to 2011, Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, a role that involved promoting British business interests abroad. However, his tenure in this position was also marked by scrutiny, particularly regarding his expenses and associations with controversial figures. He resigned from the post following criticism of his travel arrangements and concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The current investigation focuses on whether he used his position to share sensitive information with Epstein during his time as trade envoy.
The Thames Valley Police stated that a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in line with national guidelines regarding the non-disclosure of the suspect’s identity at this stage of the investigation. The police have not provided further details about the specific allegations or the evidence that led to the arrest. King Charles III issued a statement expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother, emphasizing that “the law must take its course.”
Royal Response and Future Implications
The King’s statement reflects the delicate position the monarchy finds itself in. The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is a further blow to the reputation of the royal family, already grappling with public scrutiny and calls for greater transparency. The decision to remove his titles and request his relocation from Royal Lodge were seen as attempts to distance the monarchy from the ongoing scandal. However, the arrest underscores the enduring challenges posed by his past associations and the require for a thorough investigation into the allegations against him.
The move to Sandringham, a privately owned estate by King Charles III, was intended to preserve Mountbatten-Windsor out of the public eye. The King will cover the costs of his brother’s recent home, which is expected to be Marsh Farm on the estate. Sources close to the royal family have indicated that while acknowledging poor judgment, there remains a sense of familial duty of care towards Mountbatten-Windsor. However, the arrest significantly complicates this dynamic and raises questions about the future role, if any, that he might play within the royal family.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear what charges, if any, Mountbatten-Windsor will face. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries, according to the BBC. The police are expected to continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses in the coming weeks. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for both Mountbatten-Windsor and the monarchy. A conviction could lead to imprisonment and further damage to the reputation of the royal family. Even if he is not charged, the scandal is likely to continue to haunt the monarchy for years to approach.
The arrest also raises broader questions about the relationship between wealth, power, and accountability. The case of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates has exposed a network of privilege and influence that allowed him to evade justice for years. The investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that those in positions of power must be held accountable for their actions.
As of February 20, 2026, the Thames Valley Police have not released any further updates on the investigation. The public awaits further developments with keen interest, as this case continues to unfold and shape the narrative surrounding the British monarchy. The next official update is expected following the completion of the initial phase of the investigation, anticipated within the next four to six weeks.
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