UK police arrest former Prince Andrew over suspected misconduct in public office

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published February 19, 2026

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British police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, amid allegations linked to his relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The investigation focuses on claims that confidential government material was shared while he served as a UK trade envoy. Police did not formally name the suspect, referring only to a man in his late 60s, though multiple outlets identified Mountbatten-Windsor.

Later on Thursday evening, police said he was released under investigation, meaning he has not been charged at this stage. Authorities stressed that an arrest does not imply guilt and that inquiries are ongoing.

In a statement, King Charles said he learned of the arrest with “deep concern,” adding that the law must take its course and that the family would cooperate with investigators.