How Andrew's 11-hour detention on his birthday played out
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Andrew, the Duke of York, was arrested on his 66th birthday in a highly unusual move by Thames Valley Police. The operation began at Sandringham Estate, where Andrew has been staying, with several unmarked police cars arriving at 8:00 GMT. The arrest followed months of intense public scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, leading authorities to believe it was necessary despite Andrew reportedly posing no immediate risk.
The arresting officers read him his rights, marking the first time a British royal faced such a recitation in centuries. While he likely avoided handcuffs and immediate detention due to his status, police conducted extensive searches at both Sandringham and Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former home in Windsor. The operation was tightly controlled, with only Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood informed beforehand, while Buckingham Palace was apparently notified after the arrest.
Andrew was taken to Aylsham Police Station, where he underwent standard booking procedures including mugshots and fingerprints. He faced an uncertain legal landscape as he awaited further developments, with police continuing their search at Windsor until Monday. This unprecedented turn of events has drawn significant attention globally, highlighting the ongoing fallout from Epstein’s influence and the monarchy’s efforts to address public concerns.
The arrest underscores the growing pressure on Andrew following years of allegations and his increasingly strained relationship with the royal family. As authorities investigate, this case continues to captivate audiences worldwide, raising questions about the monarchy’s future stability and its handling of high-profile crises.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026