Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Source: Getty Images
Prince Andrew Released After Arrest, Remains Under Investigation
Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released later that evening but remains under investigation. Authorities continue to examine allegations tied to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken to a Norfolk police station for questioning, where he consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Arrest on His 66th Birthday
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on the King’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he has been staying. Officers from Thames Valley Police detained him on his 66th birthday.
It marks the first time the former prince has been arrested. He has faced numerous allegations over his links to Jeffrey Epstein in the past. He was later released under investigation by Thames Valley Police on Thursday evening after spending much of his birthday in custody.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen being driven away from a police station following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. The brother of King Charles was seen sat in the back of a Range Rover as he left the Police Investigation Centre on February 19, 2026 in Aylsham, Norfolk, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
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Investigation Into Alleged Sharing of Confidential Material
The arrest came after Thames Valley Police said it was assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Police continued to search the former prince’s home, Royal Lodge, on February 20, 2026. It is understood that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest by officers from Thames Valley Police.
A photo of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is displayed as US Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Oversight of the Department of Justice" on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on February 11, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
Investigation Into Alleged Sharing of Confidential Material
The arrest followed a complaint assessed by Thames Valley Police concerning the alleged sharing of confidential material with Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
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In newly released emails from the United States Department of Justice, Mountbatten-Windsor's team instructed Metropolitan Police officers to provide security for a dinner party at Epstein’s home in New York, which he attended.
Prince Andrew, The Duke of York arrives for the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
At the time, he was a senior working member of the Royal Family. As such, the then Prince Andrew would have been accompanied by close protection officers as part of his official security arrangements.
Additional emails showed arrangements for Mountbatten-Windsor to stay with Epstein in December 2010. In those communications, the former prince’s private secretary asked for the address where they would be staying.
British police are also speaking to Mountbatten-Windsor’s past and present protection officers following the latest release of files related to Epstein.
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Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's Requiem Mass service at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Role of the Royal Visits Committee
The government’s Royal Visits Committee is responsible for reviewing plans for official travel undertaken by working members of the Royal Family.
A government spokesman said the committee reviewed plans for official travel conducted in 2008 and 2009 by the then Duke of York.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Easter Service at St George's Chapel on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
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However, the Royal Visits Committee reiterated that it was not involved in private travel undertaken by working members of the Royal Family, nor in any travel by non-working members.
The distinction between official and private travel has become part of the broader scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s past movements and associations.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Metropolitan Police Statement
In addition, the Metropolitan Police announced on February 20, 2026 that they were "aware of the suggestion that London airports may have been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation."
The statement did not announce charges but confirmed awareness of concerns raised in connection with the wider Epstein investigation.
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King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles in October 2025 amid renewed scrutiny over the depth of his connections to Epstein. In its statement, the Metropolitan Police referred to him by the name he is now known by, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York and King Charles III attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's Requiem Mass service at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Although Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to review evidence and speak with individuals connected to the case.
The arrest marks a significant development in the long-running scrutiny surrounding his association with Epstein. While no charges have been announced, the case continues to draw public attention in the United Kingdom and beyond.
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