Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor early in the morning on February 19. On his 66th birthday, the fallen royal was taken into custody at his Sandringham home after being accused of wrongdoing while in a public role.
Andrew’s arrest follows two major controversies linking the former prince. Thames Valley Police said in an update that their force was actively reviewing allegations that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had trafficked a woman to the United Kingdom. It is believed that Epstein sent the victim to have a sexual encounter with Andrew himself.
Additionally, the disgraced royal was accused of leaking sensitive trade information to Epstein, sabotaging his position within the government.
The British royal family was rocked when King Charles’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of “misconduct in public office.”
The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday, is believed to be a result of new revelations related to the Jeffrey Epstein…
— ShivanandGupta🇮🇳 (@Shivanandgupta0) February 19, 2026
In late 2025, Andrew lost his royal titles and privileges. This decision, made by his brother King Charles III, also meant he could no longer live in the Royal Lodge and had to move quickly to his estate in Sandringham.
After the arrest, the Thames Valley Police released an official statement that did not mention Andrew’s name. The police said that this was done in accordance to “national guidance.”
Their statement read, “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Soon after the news of Andrew’s arrest spread rapidly, Charles made his first official statement. He said he was “deeply concerned” about his brother’s actions. He also assured that the investigation would be complete and fair, with no influence from the royal family.
He said, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
🇬🇧𝗥𝗢𝗬𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 | 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧
Read King Charles’ unprecedented full statement following his brother Andrew’s arrest a short time ago:
I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
What… pic.twitter.com/1ssJPciUgG
— Jewish News Syndicate (@JNS_org) February 19, 2026
Besides promising full cooperation, Charles said that he trusts the law to be above all. In his words, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R.”
After the monarch’s official statement, the Press Association confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, also support Charles’s stance.
This is not the first time the royal family has taken a total no-tolerance approach when it comes to the controversy surrounding Andrew. Regarding his links with Epstein and his victims, the monarch and other family members have extended their sympathies for those who have been wronged.
