Britain Updates: Former Prince Andrew Is Released After Being Arrested Amid Epstein Revelations

NYT Homepage

by Lizzie Dearden

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The British royal family faced an unprecedented crisis as Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicions of misconduct in public office. The arrest, centered around his alleged connection to Jeffrey Epstein, marked the first time in over 350 years that a member of the monarchy was detained. Prince Andrew, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, was questioned by police and later released under investigation. This development comes amid growing scrutiny of his ties to Epstein, with reports suggesting he may have shared confidential information with the disgraced financier while serving as a British trade envoy. The arrest intensifies years of controversy surrounding Prince Andrew, particularly regarding his alleged involvement in the sexual abuse of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims. In 2022, he settled a lawsuit brought by her, denying any wrongdoing but paying an undisclosed sum to avoid going to trial. The police investigation now focuses on whether he improperly shared sensitive government documents with Epstein, a charge he denies. This case has also implicated other high-profile figures, including Peter Mandelson and Sarah Ferguson, who are under scrutiny for their alleged connections to Epstein. The monarchy has distanced itself from Prince Andrew following these allegations, with King Charles III stripping him of his royal titles and evicting him from his residence at Windsor. The palace has emphasized support for a fair legal process while maintaining neutrality in the investigation. This rare public accountability for a member of the British royal family highlights the broader societal shift toward addressing historical misconduct and holding individuals, regardless of their status, accountable under the law. This situation matters to readers as it underscores the ongoing challenges faced

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/19/2026