On the 19th February, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested by Thames Valley Police on the suspicion of misconduct in public office.

By Grainne Glynn | Feb 19 2026

The arrest occurred at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where celebrations were ongoing for the former royals 66th birthday.

Police, including officers in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles, were seen gathering at the property early on Thursday morning. Searches are also underway at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the ongoing investigation.

The arrest is connected to allegations emerging from recently released documents and material linked to the late financier Jeffery Epstein. UK authorities have been examining whether Mountbattern-Windsor shared sensitive or confidential information during his time as a UK trade envoy with Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and if that constituted misconduct while holding public office. 

The former prince has long been under public scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein and has previously denied wrongdoing related to the association. Buckingham palace has not yet released an official statement regarding the arrest. 

Legal experts note that the arrest does not equal a charge, and no formal charges have been announced. As the investigation continues, attention will likely be brought to other individuals who may have been involved. The question remains whether this development could be the first of additional investigations or arrests connected to Epstein’s network, though authorities have not indicated that any further action is imminent.