Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released Under Investigation Following Arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, has been released under investigation after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his ties with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. This marks the first arrest of a senior royal in modern history, sending shockwaves through the monarchy and beyond.
Arrest and Release Details
The arrest occurred on Thursday, 19 February 2026, which coincided with Andrew's 66th birthday. He was detained by Thames Valley Police and later pictured slouched in the back of a vehicle as he left Aylsham police station in Norfolk. Police confirmed his release under investigation, noting that searches at his property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk had concluded, while searches at his former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, are ongoing.
Allegations and Evidence
Andrew is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011. The allegations stem from millions of files released by the US Department of Justice in relation to the Epstein scandal. Key evidence includes:
- An email from November 2010, which appeared to be forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser Amir Patel.
- Another email on Christmas Eve 2010, which seemed to show Andrew sending Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing regarding his Epstein links but has not directly addressed these latest allegations.
Royal and Political Reactions
His brother, the King, issued a statement expressing his deepest concern and emphasising that the law must take its course. The King continued with his duties, including ambassadorial audiences at St James's Palace, and did not respond to questions about the arrest later in the day. The Queen also remained silent when asked about the situation during an engagement in Westminster.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King's statement, which reiterated full cooperation with the police. Notably, neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed before the arrest, though the Home Secretary was alerted shortly beforehand.
International and Legal Implications
US President Donald Trump commented on the arrest, calling it very sad and detrimental to the royal family, while praising the King and noting his upcoming visit to the United States. Legally, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Broader Police Investigations
Multiple police forces across the UK are assessing information from the Epstein files, including Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Wiltshire, and Scotland. The Metropolitan Police is also investigating allegations that Andrew's protection officers ignored his visits to Epstein's island, Little St James. The National Crime Agency is supporting these probes.
Andrew, who is eighth in line to the throne, served 22 years in the Royal Navy before his trade role. He stepped down in 2011 amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein, and this arrest adds a new chapter to the ongoing scandal, with investigations continuing to unfold.
