- Former Prince Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday.
- The arrest is linked to revelations from the Epstein files.
- He is suspected of passing confidential government documents, though no charges have been filed.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday morning, February 19, 2026, on his 66th birthday. He was released later that evening. The arrest comes amid scrutiny stemming from disclosures within documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor is suspected of sharing confidential government information.
The arrest of the former royal, brother of King Charles III, has drawn international attention as details emerge regarding his past association with the convicted sex offender.
The Arrest Procedure
- 8:00 AM: Police vehicles arrived at the Sandringham estate. Officers initially approached estate staff before directly informing Mountbatten-Windsor of his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police searched several rooms on the property, examining cabinets and drawers.
- 8:54 AM: Mountbatten-Windsor was informed of his rights, allowed to briefly prepare himself, and then taken into custody. He was transported to a police station in Aylsham, approximately 55 minutes away, for questioning. According to reports, Mountbatten-Windsor was seated alone in the back of a police Volvo, accompanied by a Norfolk Police Range Rover and a vehicle carrying his security detail. He was reportedly not handcuffed. At the station, he underwent a health check to assess his mental and physical state, and provided a DNA sample and fingerprints. A mugshot was also taken.
- 7:00 PM: It is unclear whether the 66-year-old spent the final hours in a cell. He was permitted to abandon the police station. No charges have been filed to date. Searches of his estate concluded after 11 hours. Simultaneously, officers searched the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, approximately 200 kilometers away, where Mountbatten-Windsor resided until recently.
The Allegations
Documents from the Epstein files reveal that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then holding the title of “Prince,” maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. While serving as the United Kingdom’s special envoy for international trade between 2001 and 2011, he allegedly shared confidential information with Epstein, including reports on official trips and investment opportunities. A conviction on the charges could carry a sentence of life imprisonment, according to reports.
Mountbatten-Windsor has stated that he did not engage in any wrongdoing in connection with his contacts with Epstein and has not publicly commented on the recent allegations.
Previous Investigations Closed
Prior investigations by the Metropolitan Police were previously closed. Virginia Giuffre, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, had alleged that Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, facilitated encounters between her and Mountbatten-Windsor. The investigation was halted due to insufficient evidence to support the claims.
Jeffrey Epstein: The Scandal and its Consequences
The case of Jeffrey Epstein is considered one of the largest abuse scandals in recent history. The U.S. Billionaire used power, money, and connections over the years to sexually exploit minors. Numerous prominent figures from politics, business, and society – including from Switzerland – came into focus. Many questions about his network remain open today.
The latest revelations:
The story behind the case:
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