Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct

Variety

by Ellise Shafer

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles' brother and a former prince, was arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest occurred at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where Mountbatten-Windsor has been residing since his royal title was stripped last October due to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the late sex offender. Police vehicles were seen arriving at the estate during Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday, and searches are ongoing in both Berkshire and Norfolk. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time a modern British royal has been arrested. The investigation was sparked by a complaint alleging that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential information with Epstein. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest, stating they were conducting searches at multiple locations without releasing the suspect's identity. King Charles expressed deep concern over the allegations and emphasized support for the legal process, avoiding further comment to respect court proceedings. The royal family has faced significant scrutiny due to Mountbatten-Windsor's connection to Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of procuring a minor for sex. Mountbatten-Windsor had maintained a long friendship with Epstein and previously apologized without admitting wrongdoing. However, new documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice included evidence linking him to Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims. A photo purportedly showing Mountbatten-Windsor with Giuffre resurfaced, reigniting public interest despite his claims that it was altered. In 2022, he settled a lawsuit with Giuffre without admitting fault. The arrest and subsequent investigation have drawn widespread attention, particularly within entertainment and royal circles. Prince William and Kate Middleton have also expressed concern over the revelations tied to Epstein's files. This case highlights the ongoing impact of Epstein's affairs on those connected to him, underscoring the need for accountability.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026