Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was abruptly arrested on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in the United Kingdom. This is among the strangest legal actions ever brought against a member of the British royal family.
Police Arrest Former Royal on Suspicion of Misconduct
A 66-year-old male was brought into custody on Thursday morning, according to Thames Valley Police. According to UK legal procedure, the police described the suspect as a guy from Norfolk in his sixties, but they did not name him in their statement.
In addition to searching homes in Berkshire and Norfolk, the plainclothes police operatives and unmarked police cars arrived early to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where Mountbatten-Windsor resides.
According to the police, they launched an investigation following a “thorough assessment” of claims pertaining to Mountbatten-Windsor’s time serving as a UK trade ambassador.
What Led to the Arrest?
Concerns regarding Mountbatten-Windsor’s prior behaviour have reportedly been rekindled by the release of additional documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein files, which is what led to the arrest. The records included emails demonstrating that he had communicated private government information to the late convicted sex offender, who was then serving as a trade ambassador. These included reports following official trips to Vietnam and Singapore in 2010 and 2011.
According to UK common law, this conduct may amount to misconduct in public office, which is a very serious offence.
Custody and Searches Underway
As the searches at several of his properties continue, Mountbatten-Windsor remains in police detention. As the detectives evaluate the claims with their colleagues, the police have confirmed that the arrested individual is still in jail.
More information will be released when it is appropriate, according to Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright, who stated that maintaining the neutrality and integrity of the ongoing inquiry is crucial.
Public Reaction and Legal Context
Many people in the UK and throughout the world were shocked to learn about the arrest. It has been noted that misconduct in public office involves extremely serious breaches of a public official’s obligations to the public, especially when private information is disclosed in an inappropriate way.
Misconduct in public office is a common law violation that can include a wide range of unlawful behaviour by those in positions of public trust, in contrast to many statute offences.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s Background
Years ago, the British royal family’s top working royal family member, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was the subject of intense public investigation due to his ties to Epstein. In 2025, King Charles III divested him of his remaining royal titles and decorations after he willingly resigned his royal duties in 2019.
Mountbatten-Windsor had previously settled a civil lawsuit in the United States without acknowledging guilt and had denied any misconduct in relation to Epstein.
What Happens Next?
Other than the arrest on suspicion of malfeasance in public office, the police have not yet announced any charges. If there is enough proof, the UK police will probably carry out their investigation and file charges against the accused.
Due to the extensive review of the evidence, legal proceedings involving well-known people are often drawn out.
A Historic Moment for the UK
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest is a historic and unprecedented event in modern British history. This behaviour demonstrates that even those who were once close to the British monarchy are subject to the law. Authorities have emphasised the importance of maintaining public confidence in the legal system.
