Former Royal Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Norfolk, England, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, carried out by Thames Valley Police, comes amid scrutiny over allegations that he shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While police have not officially named the individual, they confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties, coinciding with Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday. Searches are currently underway at addresses in both Berkshire and Norfolk, according to police statements.
The investigation stems from a complaint submitted by the anti-monarchy group Republic regarding the alleged sharing of confidential material with Epstein. Thames Valley Police had been assessing this complaint prior to Thursday’s arrest. This development adds another layer to the ongoing fallout from the revelations surrounding Epstein and Mountbatten-Windsor’s association with him, an association that has already led to the former prince being stripped of his royal duties and military affiliations.
King Charles III issued a statement expressing his concern over the arrest, emphasizing the importance of due process. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King stated. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
The Epstein Connection and Allegations of Misconduct
The current investigation centers on claims that Mountbatten-Windsor shared trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein in 2010, while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. This alleged sharing of information raises concerns about potential breaches of protocol and the misuse of public office. The release of millions of documents related to Epstein’s activities earlier in January brought these allegations to the forefront, prompting further scrutiny from law enforcement.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. However, he has faced intense public criticism and legal challenges related to his relationship with the disgraced financier. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, alleged she was forced to have sexual encounters with Mountbatten-Windsor as a teenager. Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against him, which was settled in 2022, though the terms of the settlement remain confidential. Giuffre tragically died by suicide in April 2023, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Following Giuffre’s death, her siblings released a statement expressing their relief at Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. “At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” they said, adding, “On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
Recent Developments and Royal Response
The arrest comes after a period of increasing pressure on Mountbatten-Windsor. In October 2023, King Charles III stripped his brother of his royal titles and removed him from official duties in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding his association with Epstein. More recently, the King requested that Mountbatten-Windsor vacate his longtime residence at Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle, further distancing the royal family from the scandal. The BBC reported that police vehicles were observed at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where Mountbatten-Windsor currently resides, prior to the arrest.
Prince William and Princess Catherine have also publicly distanced themselves from Mountbatten-Windsor. A statement released on February 9, 2026, confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales were “deeply concerned by the continued revelations” and that their thoughts were with the victims of Epstein’s abuse. This rare public statement underscores the seriousness with which the royal family views the allegations and the potential damage to the monarchy’s reputation.
What is Misconduct in Public Office?
Misconduct in public office is a serious offense under UK law. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it involves a “serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held.” The specific charges Mountbatten-Windsor faces will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation. A conviction could result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. The threshold for proving misconduct in public office requires demonstrating that the individual intentionally abused their position of authority, and that this abuse was serious enough to warrant criminal prosecution.
Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, the arrest has broader implications for the British monarchy. The scandal has already damaged the reputation of the royal family and raised questions about its judgment and accountability. The ongoing investigation and any potential trial will likely continue to attract intense media scrutiny and public debate. The situation also highlights the challenges faced by institutions in addressing historical allegations of abuse and misconduct.
Other Investigations Related to Epstein
Thames Valley Police’s investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor is not the only law enforcement inquiry related to Epstein’s activities. Several other police forces across the UK are also assessing allegations linked to the convicted sex offender. These include:
- Essex Police: Examining flight logs and emails referencing Epstein’s private jet using Stansted Airport.
- Bedfordshire Police: Assessing Epstein’s employ of London Luton Airport.
- Met Police: Launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, following claims he passed market-sensitive information to Epstein.
- Surrey Police: Seeking information on an allegation of human trafficking and sexual assault dating back to the mid-1990s.
- Norfolk Constabulary: Reviewing Epstein files but have not received specific allegations.
- Wiltshire Police: Reviewing its records.
- Scotland Yard: Seeking to speak to anyone with information about Epstein’s private jet using Edinburgh Airport.
- West Midlands Police: Assessing Epstein’s use of Birmingham Airport.
These parallel investigations demonstrate the widespread nature of the concerns surrounding Epstein’s network and the potential for further revelations. The focus on Mountbatten-Windsor, however, remains particularly sensitive given his position within the royal family.
As of now, Mountbatten-Windsor remains in police custody. Thames Valley Police have stated that they will not be naming the arrested man, in accordance with national guidance. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses. The next step will likely involve further questioning of Mountbatten-Windsor and the analysis of evidence gathered during the searches of properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates as they become available.
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