On Thursday morning, on his 66th birthday, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by British police. The investigation concerns allegations of abuse of public office during his tenure as a special trade envoy. Investigators are examining the thread of passing confidential government documents to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. Although the former prince was released after eleven hours, the case plunges the monarchy into crisis.

Charge of Abuse of Office

Investigators are examining whether Andrew passed classified government documents to Jeffrey Epstein obtained during his tenure as a trade envoy.

Statement by King Charles III

The monarch publicly supported police actions, declaring full cooperation and emphasizing that no one is above the law.

Release Under Conditions

After 11 hours of questioning, the former prince left the police station, but the investigation continues, and police secured materials from two residences.

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is an unprecedented event in the modern history of the British royal family. Police officers apprehended the former prince on Thursday, February 19, 2026, around 08:00 a.m. at the Sandringham estate. Simultaneously, investigators conducted searches at his current residence in Norfolk and his former home in Windsor. The charges focus on the period when Andrew served as the special trade envoy. The investigation suggests he may have used his access to classified diplomatic reports to share them with Jeffrey Epstein. Evidence in the case is said to include emails from 2010, in which Andrew sent information to the investor after his missions in Asia. Prince Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein became the subject of public scandal in 2019 after a high-profile BBC interview. Following that, Queen Elizabeth II stripped her son of his military titles and royal patronages, and Andrew withdrew from official duties. The reaction from Buckingham Palace was restrained but firm. King Charles III issued a personally signed statement, declaring full cooperation with law enforcement and emphasizing that the law must take its course. During Thursday's events related to London Fashion Week, the royal couple tried to maintain an appearance of normality, even as media worldwide reported on the crown's image crisis. US President Donald Trump also commented, calling the arrest a "sad event" and a "disgrace" for the royal family. Although Andrew was released on bail after about 11 hours, police stress that the investigation is ongoing and the release was under specific procedural conditions. Royal experts indicate that potential criminal charges could lead to a parliamentary debate on removing him from the line of succession to the British throne, where he currently holds eighth place. „These are matters that must be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities, and the law must be applied without any exceptions.” — Charles III 11 hours — the brother of King Charles III spent in police custody

[{"aspect": "Royal Titles", "before": "Official HRH Prince Andrew", "after": "Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor"}, {"aspect": "Held Functions", "before": "Trade and Investment Envoy", "after": "No official public roles"}, {"aspect": "Legal Situation", "before": "Status of a private person in civil court", "after": "Arrested in criminal investigation"}]

Mentioned People

  • Andrzej Mountbatten-Windsor — Former Duke of York, brother of King Charles III, arrested in connection with the Epstein scandal.
  • Karol III — King of the United Kingdom, who issued a statement regarding his brother's arrest.
  • Jeffrey Epstein — Deceased American financier and sex offender, with whom Andrew was associated.