Royal commentator Jennie Bond describes Andrew-Mountbatten Windsor’s arrest as “the worst nightmare” for the palace and for the Royal family (Sky News). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested on the morning of his 66th birthday, February 19, 2026 at the home where he is staying on King Charles’ Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Andrew lived at this current location after being ordered off the Royal Lodge home in Windsor by King Charles.
Law enforcement personnel are investigating Andrew regarding an allegation that he shared confidential information with the late Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the United Kingdom. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
“As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”
— Thames Valley police
Former Prince Andrew was not named in the official statement per “national guidance.”
FULL STATEMENT …
Thames Valley Police has opened an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.
As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The man remains in police custody at this time.
We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Notes to Editors
In UK law, an arrest requires police to have reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has taken place and reasonable grounds for believing that it is necessary to arrest the person in question.
We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.
Thames Valley Police will not be making any further statement at this time and will not be holding a press conference or conducting any media interviews in relation to this investigation.
The news comes after the Thames Valley Police confirmed it was investigating a complaint alleging that the former Prince Andrew shared confidential information related to his role as a trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein, according to a BBC article published on Feb. 9. The complaint was brought by the anti-monarchy group Republic, which reported King Charles’ brother for “suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets.” the outlet said.
Republic argued that emails between Andrew and Epstein showed that the British prince shared confidential documents with Epstein relating to his role as the U.K.’s special representative for international trade and investment, a post he held from 2001 to 2011. The correspondence was released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 30 in the latest tranche of files relating to the ongoing investigation of Epstein. Trade envoys promote British business interests abroad and the job comes with a duty of confidentiality, even after one’s term of office ends.
Queen Elizabeth stripped Andrew of his military titles and patronages in January 2022 after a judge rejected his attempt to have Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit against Andrew dismissed. Andrew has repeatedly denied Giuffre’s allegations, but reached an out of court settlement with her that was announced on Sunday, February 15, 2022. In April 2025, Virginia Giuffre died by suicide.
Memoir …
Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice
by Virginia Giuffre
Republic is a political group in the United Kingdom working to abolish the monarchy and replace King Charles III with a democratically-elected head of state. As a democratic, non-party political organization, the Republic’s goal is to establish a “British parliamentary republic”, and the individuals that support this are known as “British Republicans.”
Republic is pushing for a Royal Epstein Inquiry.
Labour for a Republic website — labourforarepublic.org.uk
