A Royal Arrest

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by Sam Sifton

February 20, 2026

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A senior member of the British royal family, Prince Andrew (formerly known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor), has been arrested on charges of "misconduct in public office" during his tenure as Britain's trade envoy. This marks the first arrest of a senior royal since 1647, when King Charles I was charged with treason and later executed. The charges against Prince Andrew stem from allegations that he provided Jeffrey Epstein with confidential trade documents in the early 2010s. Although he was released on bail by evening, the investigation is ongoing, and if prosecuted, he could face a life sentence. The arrest came following the release of Epstein's files by the U.S. Justice Department, which revealed Prince Andrew's alleged involvement in sharing sensitive information with Epstein. While American authorities have not pursued new prosecutions against Epstein's associates, British officials have taken decisive action, mirroring historical strategies used to target powerful figures, such as Al Capone, who was charged for tax evasion rather than his more notorious crimes. Interestingly, the investigation has focused on Prince Andrew's actions during his time in government service, rather than addressing allegations related to Virginia Giuffre, who had previously accused him of sexual misconduct. These charges were settled out of court, and Prince Andrew avoided legal consequences despite admitting to "inappropriate conduct" in a 2019 interview. This case highlights the broader implications of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions, particularly within institutions like the British monarchy. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in justice matters, as seen in the contrasting approaches taken by U.S. and British authorities. The outcome of this investigation could set a significant precedent for addressing misconduct by high-profile figures and may have lasting consequences for Prince Andrew's reputation and relationship with the monarchy. The arrest has sparked widespread media attention and raises questions about the future of the royal family's public image. It also reflects how historical comparisons, such as the infamous trial of Charles I, can influence contemporary events, emphasizing the enduring impact of legal actions against members of the British elite. As the investigation unfolds, it will

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026