Former Prince Andrew was released after several hours of questioning on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public life, Thames Valley Police confirmed. The arrest, which occurred at his residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, is linked to ongoing investigations stemming from the Jeffrey Epstein files, according to multiple UK news outlets.
The arrest of the 66-year-aged Duke of York coincided with the publication of further documents related to the Epstein case by the U.S. Justice Department. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret over his association with the convicted sex offender. Six unmarked police cars and approximately eight plain-clothed officers were observed at Wood Farm, the property where he recently relocated, according to reports.
The investigation has also brought renewed scrutiny to Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, who also had a documented relationship with Epstein. Ferguson, 66, is listed as the sole director of six companies that are now in the process of being dissolved, according to the BBC, and CNN. Applications to remove the companies from the UK’s Companies House register were submitted in recent days. The nature of the firms’ activities remains largely unknown, though one is related to public relations and another to retail.
Ferguson and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996, but continued to reside together at Royal Lodge for many years. Following a recent eviction, Ferguson reportedly considered relocating overseas or staying with one of her daughters, Princess Beatrice or Princess Eugenie, though a spokesperson dismissed those reports. Her current whereabouts are not publicly known, and her representative has declined to comment.
Emails between Ferguson and Epstein, revealed in 2010, showed Epstein providing financial assistance to help cover some of her debts. Both Andrew and Ferguson have faced ongoing scrutiny regarding their ties to Epstein, who died in 2019 whereas awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in what was ruled an apparent suicide.
Following the arrest, questions have been raised in the United States about potential legal avenues for pursuing justice related to the Epstein case. American lawmakers have called for further investigation and accountability, though the specifics of any U.S. Legal action remain unclear. The Thames Valley Police have not provided a timeline for the completion of their investigation.
