Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released Under Investigation After Arrest on Misconduct Suspicion

Arrest and Ongoing Searches at Windsor Estate

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on the morning of February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was detained for nearly 12 hours before being released under investigation. On the following day, Friday, British police were seen conducting further searches at his former residence at the Royal Lodge on the royal family's Windsor estate, west of London. Thames Valley Police confirmed on Friday that searches at the Windsor estate were still underway while the investigation continued.

Police Actions at Sandringham and Release Status

Following his arrest, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken to Aylsham Police Station and later allowed to return to his new home on King Charles III's private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England, on Thursday evening. Police stated that searches of the Sandringham residence concluded on Thursday. They also confirmed that the 66-year-old man detained earlier in the day was released under investigation, meaning he was free to go without restrictions while the inquiry remains active. Authorities retain the power to re-arrest him for additional questioning at any time.

Context of Misconduct in Public Office Allegation

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is linked to suspicion of misconduct in public office and is not for offenses involving his encounters with young women associated with Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released by the U.S. government include emails from 2010 and 2011 indicating that he shared confidential United Kingdom government information with Jeffrey Epstein and other contacts. The information related to his trips to Southeast Asia and potential investment opportunities in Afghanistan. At the time those emails were sent, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was serving as an official trade representative for the British government. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing connected to his friendship with Epstein.

Royal Residences and Family Response

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moved to the Sandringham Estate in February 2026 after living for many decades at the Royal Lodge in Windsor. King Charles III required him to leave the Royal Lodge as part of measures to distance his younger brother from the royal family following the release of new Epstein files and the related allegations. An image taken by a Reuters photographer showed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the back seat of a vehicle on Thursday evening as he was driven back to his Sandringham home after his release.

Official Statements and Royal Engagements

In a statement issued on Thursday after the arrest, King Charles III said that the law must take its course. On the same day, members of the royal family proceeded with scheduled public engagements. King Charles III attended an event at London Fashion Week, Queen Camilla attended a concert in Westminster, and Princess Anne visited a prison in the city of Leeds in northern England as part of a pre-arranged tour.

Potential Legal Consequences

If Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is convicted of misconduct in public office, he could face a sentence of life in prison. While the investigation continues, he remains at liberty and may move freely, subject to the possibility of re-arrest for further questioning by police.