Former Prince Andrew Arrested on Misconduct Allegations

The younger brother of King Charles III was released 'under investigation' following his arrest over ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released 'under investigation' and faces no charges at this time. The arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor's past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Why it matters

The arrest of a senior royal is highly unusual and raises questions about the extent of Mountbatten-Windsor's alleged misconduct while serving as Britain's special envoy for international trade. It also reignites the controversy surrounding his ties to Epstein, which previously led to him being stripped of his royal title and asked to leave Windsor Castle.

The details

Police in Thames Valley, England, arrested Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released 'under investigation,' meaning no charges have been filed. Authorities said searches were conducted at Mountbatten-Windsor's Norfolk residence and in Berkshire, but provided no further details on the nature of the investigation. Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.

  • On Thursday, police arrested Mountbatten-Windsor on his 66th birthday.
  • In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal title and asked to leave Windsor Castle due to his Epstein connections.
  • In February 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor reached a confidential settlement with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, agreeing to make a 'substantial donation' to her charity.
  • Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.

The players

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Formerly known as Prince Andrew, he is the younger brother of King Charles III and was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

King Charles III

The current monarch of the United Kingdom, who expressed deep concern over the news of his brother's arrest.

Virginia Giuffre

An Epstein victim who reached a confidential settlement with Mountbatten-Windsor in 2022 before her death by suicide in 2025.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late convicted sex offender whose ties to Mountbatten-Windsor have led to renewed scrutiny and the former prince's arrest.

Maria Farmer

Another Epstein survivor who commented on the arrest, stating it is 'just the beginning of accountability and justice' brought forth by Giuffre.

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What they’re saying

“Today is just the beginning of accountability and justice brought forth by Virginia Roberts Giuffre — a young mother who adored her daughter so deeply, she fought the most powerful on earth to protect her. She did this for everyone's daughters. Let's now demand all the dominos of power and corruption begin to fall.”

— Maria Farmer, Epstein survivor (kpua.net)

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

— King Charles III (kpua.net)

“I think it's very sad. I think it's so bad for the royal family. It's very, very sad. To me, it's a very sad thing.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (kpua.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mountbatten-Windsor out on bail.

The takeaway

This arrest of a senior royal highlights the ongoing fallout from Mountbatten-Windsor's association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about the extent of any misconduct and the future implications for the royal family.