Man formerly known as Prince Andrew arrested, detained on Epstein-related allegations
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and detained by police in the United Kingdon in charges stemming from the scandals surrounding the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and multiple agencies are reviewing evidence that could lead to multiple investigations.
A report in the Daily Mail confirmed the Sandringham home of the man formerly known as Prince Andrew, until he lost his royal privileges and title last fall, was arrested on his 66th birthday during a raid.
He’s eighth in line to the British throne, and was being held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
But the report noted the situation for the suspect known to have associated with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses and suspected of trafficking young girls to celebrities, could get a lot worse.
It documented that Metropolitan Police are looking at whether royal protection officers “turned a blind eye” to events during visits to Epstein’s private island.
Further, Surrey police are “seeking information regarding an allegation made in Virginia Water in the 1990s” and Thames Valley Police are reviewing whether Epstein sent a young woman to the U.K. for a sexual encounter with the ex-royal at Royal Lodge in 2010.
Further evaluations are under way by Essex police, Bedfordshire police, Police Scotland, West Midlands police, Wiltshire police and Norfolk constabulary.
A statement from Thames Valley said, “We have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.”
The statement added, “The man remains in police custody at this time.”
It was Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright who confirmed the investigation focused on “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,” he said.
One of the damaging images that has circulated shows Mountbatten-Windsor on his knees on the floor looking at the camera. Beneath him and between his arms is a young girl.
The publication said individuals who appeared to be police were seen at the home, and a convoy of vehicles was photographed as it left later.
Only days ago, Mountbatten-Windsor was evicted from Royal Lodge, where he had lived for decades, and moved to Wood Lodge. He lost some of his royal privileges years ago, and the last last fall when his “prince” title was stripped.
Other allegations involving the suspect including sex trafficking.
His older brother, now King Charles, has confirmed he’s ready to help police as they investigate.
There also is suspicion Andrew sent emails sharing private information from his then-role as a U.K. trade envoy with Epstein.
A statement from King Charles said, “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. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. 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.”
Reports revealed charges have yet to be filed. In the U.K. a suspect can be held for 96 hours before those are required.
The family of the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who had accused the ex-prince of misbehavior and reached a massive financial settlement with him, said, “At last. Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty. On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the U.K.’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.”
Giuffre, who died by apparent suicide last year, charged in her memoir that she was ordered by Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to have sex with then-Prince Andrew when she was only 17.
“He was friendly enough, but still entitled — as if he believed having sex with me was his birthright,” Giuffre wrote. “The next morning, Maxwell told me: ‘You did well. The prince had fun.’ Epstein would give me $15,000 for servicing the man the tabloids called ‘Randy Andy.'”
Former Prince Andrew has been arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to Jeffrey Epstein’s child trafficking network.
Police are carrying out searches in Berkshire and Norfolk.
He will remain in police custody at this time. pic.twitter.com/p7yS7u7uAX
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) February 19, 2026
HOLY CRAP! Former Prince Andrew has been ARRESTED by British Police following revelations in the newly released Epstein files
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, was taken into custody this morning, his 66th birthday.
FINALLY! pic.twitter.com/QCXUC7UA9Z
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 19, 2026
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
He turns 66 today.
(https://t.co/oyFpGy5h0T) pic.twitter.com/I5iBAi60hs
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 19, 2026