Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested this Thursday, February 19 on his 66th birthday by Thames Valley Police, suspected of "misconduct in public office." This marks the first time a modern member of the British royal family has been arrested, a moment described as historic.
Unmarked police cars were photographed arriving at his residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where he has lived since leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor. Police confirmed that a man in his sixties from Norfolk had been arrested and remained in custody, stating they were conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Epstein's Shadow Looms Over the Investigation
Thames Valley Police is examining allegations that Andrew passed confidential government documents to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and sex offender who died in prison in 2019. These suspicions concern the period when Andrew was the UK's trade envoy.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing related to his friendship with Epstein. However, he was forced to step down from all official royal duties in 2019, and in October 2025, King Charles stripped him of his prince title due to his close ties to Epstein.
This charge of "misconduct in public office" carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the United Kingdom. For now, an arrest does not mean a conviction, but it marks a spectacular turning point for the British monarchy.
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