Former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested at Sandringham estate | First Thing

The Guardian World

by Clea Skopeliti

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Police have arrested Prince Andrew, formerly known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The investigation centers around allegations that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein and was involved in trafficking a woman to the UK for a sexual encounter with him. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are reviewing these serious claims, marking a significant development in an ongoing case. The arrest comes amid broader concerns about Andrew's past interactions with Epstein, including reported discussions about sharing national security details. Epstein's involvement in facilitating illegal activities, such as human trafficking, has been well-documented, and authorities are exploring any potential connection to the royal figure. This case raises questions about the monarchy's accountability and the handling of high-profile scandals. In another key development, the United Nations-backed International Security Force (ISF) in Gaza is tasked with securing borders, maintaining peace, and protecting civilians while training Palestinian police forces. However, uncertainties remain regarding their response to potential conflicts, such as renewed bombings by Israel or Hamas attacks, which could significantly impact regional stability. Additionally,

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/19/2026