Former Prince Andrew Arrested Amid Epstein Investigation

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office concerning his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest took place at the Sandringham estate, where he has been residing since vacating Royal Lodge. Following approximately 12 hours of questioning, he was released under investigation.

The investigation centers on allegations that, during his tenure as a U.K. trade envoy, Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with Epstein. Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice suggest that in 2010, he forwarded sensitive documents to Epstein.

In response to the arrest, King Charles III expressed his "full and wholehearted support" for the legal process, emphasizing trust in the "full, fair and proper process" of investigation.

This development marks the first arrest of a senior British royal since King Charles I in 1647. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein.