Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released from police custody on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirmed. The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday, is the latest development in a long-running saga stemming from his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Police conducted searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the investigation, according to statements released by the department. Whereas authorities have not explicitly linked the arrest to the Epstein case, the timing coincides with the recent release of millions of documents related to Epstein, including emails and photographs involving Mountbatten-Windsor. The documents prompted police to re-examine allegations that confidential documents were shared with Epstein in 2010, when Mountbatten-Windsor served as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment.
The released materials reportedly include emails suggesting Epstein received reports connected to Mountbatten-Windsor’s official visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and China, as well as information regarding investment opportunities. A photograph released as part of the Epstein files appears to depict Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling beside an unidentified woman.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as a U.K. Trade envoy, a position he held from 2001 until 2011, is central to the misconduct in public office allegations. The arrest follows years of scrutiny regarding his relationship with Epstein, including accusations made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was sex trafficked by Epstein and sexually assaulted by Mountbatten-Windsor in 2001. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, according to reports from her family.
The arrest has prompted renewed discussion regarding the monarchy’s response to the scandal. British media outlets have reported that the government is considering removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, having already stripped him of his military affiliations and royal patronages. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Thames Valley Police have not provided a timeline for the completion of their investigation. As of Friday, February 20, 2026, Mountbatten-Windsor has not been charged with any offense, and remains under investigation.
