Norfolk, UK: Former Prince Andrew, officially Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested by police on Thursday, February 19 — his 66th birthday — in connection with an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
Police officers arrived early at the residence where Andrew is staying on King Charles’ Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Photographs show around six police vehicles near the property. The former Duke had been relocated to Sandringham after being ordered to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor by his brother, King Charles III.
Investigation Linked to Jeffrey Epstein
Authorities are probing allegations that Andrew shared confidential information with the late Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the U.K.’s trade envoy, a role he held from 2001 to 2011. The complaint, filed by the anti-monarchy group Republic, claims Andrew disclosed sensitive trade documents to Epstein. Correspondence between the two men was released by the U.S. Department of Justice in January 2026 as part of ongoing investigations into Epstein.
Thames Valley Police issued a statement saying, “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.” The police did not name Andrew in the statement.
Royal Response and Cooperation
Following the release of the new emails, Buckingham Palace stated that King Charles III is deeply concerned about the allegations. The palace emphasized its willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement if approached. The statement also expressed support for victims of abuse, with King Charles and Queen Camilla reaffirming their commitment to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
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Andrew ’s Royal Titles and Past Controversies
Former Prince previously stepped back from public duties in November 2019 after a widely criticized BBC interview discussing his relationship with Epstein. In October 2025, King Charles stripped him of his royal titles and honors — an unprecedented move — amid mounting scrutiny over his Epstein connections.
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and he divorced in 1996 but continued to reside together at Royal Lodge for several years. They share daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Earlier, Queen Elizabeth had removed Andrew’s military titles and patronages in January 2022 after a court rejected his attempt to dismiss Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit. Former Prince denied Giuffre’s allegations and settled the case in 2022. Virginia Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
The arrest marks a significant escalation in ongoing investigations into Andrew’s conduct and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting legal and public scrutiny of the former royal.