UK police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of King Charles III, on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in the exercise of public functions, according to British media. Thames Valley Police had previously said it was "assessing" reports that the former prince sent business reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

First modification: 02/19/2026 - 11:53 Last modification: 02/19/2026 - 14:59

Former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in the exercise of public functions, the BBC reported.

British police confirmed Thursday that a man in his 60s had been detained on suspicion of that offence, adding that they would not reveal his identity "in line with national guidelines."

Previously, the British media had reported that police arrested Mountbatten-Windsor for alleged misconduct in public functions in relation to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and, coincidentally, Andrew turns 66 this Thursday.

Local media reported that six unmarked police vehicles and around eight plainclothes officers arrived at Wood Farm, on the Sandringham estate, in Norfolk, eastern England, where the king's brother currently resides.

According to a statement from Thames Valley Police, "the man currently remains in police custody." Likewise, authorities warned that the case is ongoing and called for caution in any publication to avoid incurring contempt of court.

“The law must take its course”: the reaction of King Carlos III

The arrest of former Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III and son of the late Elizabeth II, came this Thursday, February 19 after the leader of the British monarchy stripped him of his noble titles and evicted him from his Royal Lodge residence.

After learning of his arrest, Carlos III issued a statement in which he expressed his disappointment at the news and assured the authorities in charge of the case that they can count on the "unconditional" support of the Royal House.

"I have received with deep concern the news regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspected misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and appropriate process by which this matter will be investigated in the appropriate manner and by the competent authorities," he said.

"In this, as I have already said, you have our unconditional support and cooperation. Let me say it clearly: the law must take its course. While this process continues, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue our duty and service to all of you," he added.

Open formal investigation

Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have opened an investigation into this alleged misconduct in public office."

Misconduct in the exercise of public functions is a crime that involves accusing an official of having committed a seriously wrongful act, knowing that it was wrong, while performing an office on behalf of the public.

Thames Valley Police indicated in early February that they were evaluating allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor handed over confidential government documents to the late sex offender Epstein, according to files recently released by the US government.

Mountbatten-Windsor, second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has said he regrets his friendship with him. He has not responded to requests for comment since the documents were last published.

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Legal deadlines and police searches

The absolute maximum time that the former prince can remain in custody is 96 hours, although this would require several extensions authorized by senior police officers and a magistrates' court, according to an expert in police affairs consulted by the BBC.

In most cases, he added, suspects are detained for 12 or 24 hours and then are formally charged or released while the investigation continues.

This arrest allows the police to search Andrew's homes and belongings, access computer equipment, files, photographs and any other evidence, and to carry out searches in any property he owns, occupies or controls, as explained to the BBC by the former chief superintendent of the Metropolitan Police Dal Babu.

However, this police action cannot be interpreted as an indication of guilt and no formal charges have been filed to date.

Former Prince Andrew returns the Royal Order of Norway

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor returned the Royal Norwegian Order that the former prince received almost four decades ago, as reported this Thursday by the Palace of the Scandinavian country.

The Order of Saint Olav, Norway's most prestigious peacetime decoration, recognizes the distinguished service of its recipients and was awarded to then-Prince Andrew in 1988.

"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has decided to return his Order," said a Palace spokesman in Oslo.

The announcement came just hours after the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after being accused of sending confidential government documents to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, when he was the United Kingdom's emissary for international trade, between 2001 and 2011.

In 2025, King Charles III stripped his younger brother of the title of prince and forced him to leave his home in Windsor, seeking to distance him from the royal family over his links to the Epstein scandal.

However, the royal palace of Norway refused to comment on the reason for the return of the order, citing confidentiality regarding this type of decorations.

King Harald of Norway is related to King Charles III and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor through several royal ancestors, including Queen Victoria, the 19th-century British monarch.

With Reuters, AFP and local media

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