Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested: former prince in custody

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and brother of Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles IIIHe was arrested in the UK and is in police custody.

The BBC reported on Thursday. Thames Valley Police said a man in his 60s from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of official misconduct. Authorities are conducting searches at two addresses and unmarked police vehicles have been found. royal householdEarly morning at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

The former Duke of York, who turns 66 on Thursday February 19, has been under public scrutiny for years over his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Media have learned that police are investigating allegations of official misconduct against Andrew, particularly allegations that he shared confidential material with Epstein, and claims that Epstein sent a second woman to the UK for a ‘sexual encounter’ with the royal.

Andrew has strongly denied any wrongdoing, including claims that a woman named Virginia Giuffre was trafficked to Andrew by Epstein. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.

“The law must take its course,” the king said in a statement after news of Andrew’s arrest broke.

“I have learned with deep concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and allegations of misconduct in public office,” Charles wrote. “What now follows is a full, fair and proper process where this matter is investigated by the appropriate authorities in an appropriate manner. As I said before, they have our full and full support and cooperation. Let me be clear, the law must take its course. It would not be right for me to comment further on the matter while this process continues.”

“In the meantime, my family and I will continue our duty and service to you all, Charles R.” The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King’s statement.

Police initially said in a statement: “In line with national guidance, we will not be naming the man arrested. Please also remember that this case is ongoing and you must exercise caution in all publications to avoid contempt of court.”

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: “After a thorough evaluation, we have now begun an investigation into allegations of misconduct in office. It is important that we work with our partners to protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we investigate these allegations of wrongdoing.”

“We understand there is a lot of public interest in this case and we will provide an update in due course,” Wright said.

The crime of delegation of public office applies when a public official intentionally neglects to perform his or her duties or intentionally commits an illegal act to the extent of abusing the public trust.

Judge Simarjor Singh, managing partner of Judge Law in Windsor, said: “Misconduct in public office is a serious common law offense that requires prosecutors to prove that a public official breached their duty in a way that knowingly abused the public trust.”

“It is not enough that there was an error in judgment. The act must be intentional and sufficiently serious,” Singh added.

The arrest of a member of the royal family in 2026 would be unprecedented in the UK, but previous royal status does not provide immunity from criminal law. Although the arrest does not mean guilt, the news will still come as a shock to Britain and, crucially, the monarchy.