Arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Charges of Public Misconduct

The events that unfolded on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday mark an unprecedented moment in the modern history of the British monarchy. Officers from Thames Valley Police detained the former prince at his current residence, Wood Farm, on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The charges relate to the period when he served as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade. Investigators are examining whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used his status to pass classified data to financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Although the suspect was released after eleven hours in custody, police continue intensive operational activities, including detailed searches at Royal Lodge. Prince Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein became the subject of public scandal in 2019 following a high-profile BBC interview. In 2022, the prince was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by Queen Elizabeth II after a civil sexual assault lawsuit in the US.The situation has caused significant upheaval within the royal family and among the public. Misconduct in public office is treated with the utmost severity by the British justice system. Reports of the arrest coincided with the publication of new, compromising materials by the U.S. Department of Justice. Among them were documents suggesting a long-term relationship between the prince's former wife, Sarah Ferguson, and Epstein. King Charles III reportedly commented on the matter, stating that "justice must take its course," signaling the palace's definitive distancing from the disgraced family member. 11 hours — duration of the former prince's interrogation in custody Social media is circulating images of Andrew leaving the police station in a dark car, showing clear fatigue and shock on the former prince's face. A wave of criticism is also hitting the monarchy's structure, raising questions about the effectiveness of oversight over its members. The British press in almost all outlets emphasizes a "day of shame" and the fall of the favorite son of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Despite his release from custody, Andrew remains under close police supervision, and legal experts predict this is only the beginning of a long and painful criminal process for the Windsors. „Justice must take its course.” — Charles III [{"dateISO": "2026-02-19T08:00", "date": "February 19, 08:00", "title": "Arrest at Sandringham", "description": "Police detain Andrew on his 66th birthday on charges of misconduct in office."}, {"dateISO": "2026-02-19T10:00", "date": "February 19, 10:00", "title": "Start of Searches", "description": "Authorities begin a search of the prince's former residence, Royal Lodge."}, {"dateISO": "2026-02-19T19:00", "date": "February 19, 19:00", "title": "Release from Custody", "description": "After 11 hours of questioning, the former prince leaves the police station in Norfolk."}, {"dateISO": "2026-02-20T09:00", "date": "February 20, 09:00", "title": "Investigation Continues", "description": "Police confirm that searches in Berkshire will continue for several more days."}] Consequences of the Charges for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: : → ; : → ; : →