UK police says ex-Prince Andrew released under investigation
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UK police have released Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, under investigation after arresting him on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, which occurred 11 hours prior to his release, stems from allegations that he provided confidential government documents to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy. These claims were surfaced through the "Epstein Files" released by the US Department of Justice.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its rarity: no member of the royal family has faced arrest in nearly 600 years. The police confirmed that Andrew was held for questioning and later released, with authorities stating they had gathered substantial evidence before taking action. King Charles III has expressed cooperation with the legal process, emphasizing that justice must be served.
Royal biographer Christopher Wilson predicts a challenging future for Andrew, suggesting he may face a criminal trial—a scenario unprecedented in modern British history. Wilson noted that such an arrest would not occur without strong evidence and highlighted the potential impact on the monarchy's reputation. The case has also drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump calling the situation "very sad" and expressing sympathy for the royal family.
This development marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing controversy surrounding Andrew's ties to Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking before his death. The investigation underscores the global reach of the Epstein scandal and its far-reaching implications. As authorities continue their probe, Andrew has denied any wrongdoing and remains under investigation, leaving his future uncertain.
The case not only sheds light on Andrew's personal actions but also raises questions about the monarchy's handling of such scandals. With public interest at an all-time high, this story will likely dominate headlines worldwide, offering a rare glimpse into the legal challenges faced by members of the British royal family.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026