Prince Andrew Arrested Amid New Epstein Allegations

On the morning of February 19, 2026, a cloud of scandal descended once more upon the British royal family as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and the brother of King Charles III, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, confirmed by Thames Valley Police, took place at Wood Farm on the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk—coincidentally on Andrew’s 66th birthday. The news, rapidly picked up by outlets such as The Associated Press and TIME, reignited longstanding questions about Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the royal’s conduct during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. Police activity was unmistakable in the early hours, with unmarked vehicles and plain-clothed officers arriving at Andrew’s residence. Thames Valley Police later stated, “We have today 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.” While British police, in line with standard protocols, did not name the suspect, both AP and TIME confirmed that it was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at the center of the operation. The gravity of the situation was underscored by a rare public statement from King Charles III, who expressed his “deepest concern” over his brother’s arrest. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” the King said, as reported by TIME. He continued, “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.” The specifics of the allegations that led to Andrew’s arrest have not yet been made public. However, Thames Valley Police had previously confirmed to TIME that they were “assessing the information” regarding claims that Andrew—while serving as the U.K.’s trade envoy in 2010 and 2011—shared confidential government reports with Jeffrey Epstein. These reports detailed official visits to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. The allegations surfaced after the U.S. Department of Justice released a trove of Epstein-related correspondence on January 30, 2026. Among the documents was an email sent to someone titled “The Duke,” which was then forwarded to Epstein. The message read, “Please find attached the visit reports for Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in relation to your recent visit to South East Asia.” Another email from “The Duke” to Epstein discussed an investment opportunity in Afghanistan. At the time, Andrew was still known as the Duke of York—a title stripped from him only in late 2025. The DOJ files also included a photograph of Andrew leaning over a woman whose face was redacted, though the timing and context of the image remain unclear. The photograph was shown on a screen during U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, as reported by TIME. The release of these materials has only heightened scrutiny of Andrew’s past actions and associations. Further complicating matters, police are reviewing a fresh allegation that Epstein sent a woman to Andrew’s Royal Lodge residence in Windsor in 2010 “for sexual purposes.” A Thames Valley Police spokesperson told TIME, “We are aware of reports about a woman said to have been taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures.” Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. According to AP, he has “repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein.” This echoes his public statements over the past several years, including his infamous 2019 interview on BBC’s Newsnight, where he was grilled about his friendship with Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse made by Virginia Giuffre. During the interview, Andrew claimed, “I have no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre,” and questioned the authenticity of a photograph showing him, Giuffre, and Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors. The fallout from Andrew’s association with Epstein has been extensive. In January 2022, amid a civil sexual abuse case brought by Giuffre, Andrew was stripped of his key military titles and royal patronages. The lawsuit was settled a month later for an undisclosed sum. By late 2025, after more allegations by Giuffre (who died in April 2025) emerged in her posthumous memoir, Andrew lost the remainder of his royal titles. Amid mounting pressure, he vacated his longtime Windsor home, the Royal Lodge, in early February 2026 and moved to Wood Farm. Prime Minister Keir Starmer weighed in on the matter, telling the BBC on February 18, 2026, “Nobody is above the law.” He added, “Anybody who has any information should testify, whether it’s Andrew or anyone else.” This sentiment was echoed by Hillary Clinton in a recent interview, reflecting the growing consensus that accountability must be enforced, regardless of status or title. Buckingham Palace has stated its willingness to cooperate with authorities as needed. “While the specific claims in question are for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect,” the Palace stated on February 9, reaffirming this position after Andrew’s arrest. The investigation, led by Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright, aims to “protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.” Norfolk Police have confirmed they are supporting the Thames Valley Police inquiry, as reported by TIME. The public interest in the case is undeniable, with the royal family’s reputation and the broader issue of accountability for those in power hanging in the balance. Jeffrey Epstein’s shadow continues to loom large over the British establishment. Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, was previously convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor and served 18 months in jail. Andrew’s ongoing communication with Epstein after his initial conviction has long been a source of controversy and public anger. As the investigation unfolds, the world watches closely. The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor marks an extraordinary moment in modern British history, raising questions about privilege, justice, and the future of the monarchy itself. For now, the law must take its course, and the royal family faces yet another test of its resilience and commitment to public trust.