SANDRINGHAM, 19 February 2026 – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has been arrested by Thames Valley Police on his 66th birthday. The arrest took place on Thursday at his residence on the Sandringham Estate, following weeks of intensifying scrutiny regarding his historical associations and newly released documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Arrest and Misconduct Allegations
The former royal was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows the recent release of unredacted “Epstein files” by the U.S. Department of Justice, which reportedly contain new revelations regarding his conduct. Police confirmed that searches are currently being conducted at multiple addresses as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, addressed the development earlier today, stating that “no one is above the law.” The investigation is reportedly supported by nine different police forces examining claims related to sex trafficking and the alleged sharing of sensitive Treasury documents with private banking interests during his time as a UK trade envoy.
Military Career and Royal Background
Before his recent legal challenges and the loss of his royal titles in late 2025, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had a lengthy career in the Royal Navy. He is a veteran of the Falklands War, where he served as a Sea King helicopter pilot. Despite his retirement from active service in 2001, he held several honorary military ranks until they were stripped by King Charles III.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor |
| Date of Birth | 19 February 1960 |
| Naval Service | 1979–2001 (Active Duty) |
| Conflict Service | Falklands War (1982) |
| Highest Active Rank | Commander |
| Honorary Ranks | Rear Admiral (2010), Vice Admiral (2015) — Stripped 2025 |
| Former Spouse | Sarah Ferguson (m. 1986; div. 1996) |
Recent Timeline of Events
The arrest marks the culmination of a rapid decline in the former prince’s public standing. In October 2025, King Charles III officially removed his royal titles and ordered his eviction from Royal Lodge in Windsor. Since then, he had been residing at a smaller property on the Sandringham Estate.
Public sentiment has remained sharply critical, with recent insights from social platforms and news commentators suggesting that the Royal Family’s primary concern has shifted toward protecting the institution of the monarchy from further reputational damage. The arrest on his birthday has been described by legal analysts as a significant turning point in the decades-long Epstein scandal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested?
He was arrested on 19 February 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This follows new evidence emerging from unredacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations concerning his role as a former UK trade envoy.
Does he still hold the title of Prince?
No. In October 2025, King Charles III stripped him of his “His Royal Highness” (HRH) style and his remaining royal titles. He is now referred to legally as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
What was his role in the Falklands War?
He served as a helicopter pilot with the 820 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Invincible. His duties included flying missions as a decoy for Exocet missiles and performing search and rescue operations.
Where is he currently being held?
Following his arrest at Sandringham, he remains in police custody while authorities conduct searches of his properties and continue their investigation into misconduct allegations.