Former Prince Andrew Arrested in Epstein Scandal, Shaking British Royal Family
London, February 22, 2026 – The British Royal Family is reeling from the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, stemming from his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest, which occurred on Thursday, February 19th, centers on allegations of misconduct in public office, specifically the suspected transmission of confidential documents to Epstein.
British authorities have maintained a customary level of discretion regarding the identity of the arrested individual, initially announcing only the detention of a man in his 60s for questioning. However, details quickly emerged linking the arrest to the ongoing investigation prompted by the recent release of Epstein-related files in the United States.
According to evidence revealed in emails, Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly shared information with Epstein obtained during his tenure as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, a role he held between 2001 and 2011. Special Representatives are bound by strict confidentiality rules prohibiting the disclosure of sensitive commercial or governmental information.
“Following a thorough review, we have now opened an investigation into this suspected breach of the duty of public office,” stated Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley Police in a released statement. “This proves important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with partners to investigate these alleged offenses.”
Police conducted searches at a residence in Berkshire, where Mountbatten-Windsor previously resided before King Charles III stripped him of his royal title in October. Media reports also showed images of plainclothes officers at his current residence, Sandringham Estate in eastern England.
The arrest occurred on Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday, marking the first time a senior British royal has been arrested in nearly 400 years.
Royal Reaction and Ongoing Scrutiny
King Charles expressed “deep concern” upon learning of his brother’s arrest, stating, “The justice system must run its course.” He affirmed the full support of the Royal Family for the authorities involved. “Whilst this process is underway, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to carry out our duties,” he said in a statement.
Mountbatten-Windsor has faced intense scrutiny for years due to his association with Epstein, a relationship that led to his removal from royal duties and the loss of his title. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret for his past friendship with the American financier, who died in prison in 2019.
He has remained largely silent since the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of pages of documents related to the Epstein case in late January.
In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, who had accused him of sexual abuse when she was a minor. Giuffre died by suicide in 2025.
The current police investigation does not relate to these allegations of sexual misconduct, but rather to the alleged disclosure of confidential information. It was triggered by a referral from the anti-monarchist group Republic following the publication of the Justice Department documents.
The emails revealed in January indicate that Mountbatten-Windsor transferred documents to Epstein concerning Vietnam, Singapore, and other countries he visited during official engagements.
A conviction for misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and will be heard in a Crown Court, which handles the most serious criminal offenses in Great Britain.
