On the morning of this morning, February 19, 2026, Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, at his Wood Farm residence coincidentally on his 66th birthday. He is suspected of sharing confidential government reports with Jeffrey Epstein and is currently in custody while investigations continue.
In a rare public statement, King Charles III said the matter should be handled through a "full, fair and orderly" process by the relevant authorities, adding that the royal family would continue their duties and service to the public.
Full details of the charges have not yet been made public. However, British authorities are investigating allegations that Andrew, while serving as the UK's trade envoy (2010–2011), sent Epstein confidential reports on official visits to Singapore, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
The allegations emerged after documents were released by the US Department of Justice in January 2026. Among them was an email addressed to someone called “The Duke,” which was then forwarded to Epstein, with attached reports of visits to Southeast Asia. Another email discussed an investment opportunity in Afghanistan.
The documents also included a photograph of Andrew with a woman (whose face was covered), but the context and timing of its taking remain unclear.
Police are also investigating a new allegation that Epstein took a woman to Andrew's Royal Lodge residence in Windsor in 2010 "for sexual purposes." Authorities said they were assessing the information according to standard procedures.
Andrew has consistently denied any legal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Andrew's ties to Epstein have been a source of controversy for years. In 2019, during an interview on BBC's Newsnight, he denied knowing Virginia Giuffre (who publicly stated that she was forced to have sex with several influential men, including Prince Andrew) and questioned the authenticity of a photograph showing him with her and Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for complicity in the sexual abuse of minors.
In January 2022, Andrew lost his military titles and royal patronages amid a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, which was settled out of court. In late 2025, following further new allegations, he also lost his remaining royal titles and left his Windsor residence, moving to Wood Farm in early February 2026.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared: "No one is above the law," emphasizing that anyone with information should testify.
The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor marks an unusual moment in modern British history. The case raises profound questions about privilege, accountability and the future of the monarchy.
