Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, was arrested on February 19, his 66th birthday, as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. The arrest took place at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where Andrew is living after being exiled from his Royal Lodge home at Windsor by his brother, King Charles.
What happened:
The arrest follows a complaint filed by anti-monarchy group Republic, which accused Andrew of sharing confidential information with late financier Jeffrey Epstein while working as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment. Between 2001 and 2011, Andrew’s role required him to handle sensitive government documents, a duty of secrecy about which he is now being questioned. Emails between the two men released by the US Justice Department in January 2026 suggested that Andrew may have breached this confidentiality by sharing the documents with Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that Andrew, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing in her relationship with Epstein, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at the age of 60. Police also searched addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, while noting that Andrew was still in police custody. The investigation is ongoing, authorities have not released the name of the person arrested at this stage.
Background on the investigation:
The investigation was sparked by recently released emails and correspondence between Andrew and Epstein, in which Andrew’s role as UK government trade envoy gave him access to highly classified material. Republic Group has argued that these actions are a violation of official secrets. It marks a significant development following a series of allegations involving Andrew’s involvement with Epstein, a convicted sex offender and financier.
The British royal family has publicly expressed its concern over the allegations. A statement from Buckingham Palace issued in early February 2026 stressed the monarch’s commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. “The king has expressed, both in words and through unprecedented actions, his deep concern at the allegations that have continued to emerge,” the palace said, underscoring that the specifics of the claims must be addressed by Andrew.
Public reactions and royal influence:
Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein has sparked a major controversy within the royal family, and the latest arrest has heightened public scrutiny. In 2022, Andrew was stripped of his military titles and royal patronage following the lawsuit of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, which was later settled. In the wake of these events, he stepped back from his official royal duties and publicly distanced himself from the family.
The arrest adds another layer to the ongoing public and legal challenges Andrew faces. While King Charles has made clear his concern over his brother’s actions, the palace has distanced itself from the ongoing legal battle.
looking ahead:
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on whether Andrew’s alleged actions during his tenure as trade envoy constitute serious legal violations. The royal family has been plunged into further turmoil as questions arise over accountability and transparency. Whether or not it leads to further legal proceedings, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of the royal family’s dealings with Epstein and the broader implications of public office misconduct.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation, as the future of Prince Andrew’s public and private life hangs in the balance as more details emerge.