Former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was taken into police custody on Thursday, February 20, 2026, in connection with an investigation into the alleged sharing of trade-related information even as he served as the UK’s special representative for International trade and investment, British police confirmed.
The arrest marks the first time in over four decades that a senior member of the British royal family has been detained, according to reports. Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for International trade and investment from 2001 to 2011, a role that involved promoting British business interests abroad.
The investigation is separate from previous scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Virginia Giuffre, a survivor of sex trafficking, filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew in 2021 alleging sexual assault. Giuffre died by suicide last year, a loss mourned by her brother, Sky Roberts, who stated, “We can’t tell her how much we love her and that everything that she was doing is not in vain.”
During earlier investigations into his ties with Epstein, Andrew stated that Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s partner in sex trafficking, introduced him to Epstein in the 1990s.
Andrew was held by police for 11 hours before being released late Thursday evening. He was observed leaving the police station in the back seat of a vehicle. Authorities have stated that he remains under investigation.
King Charles III addressed the situation briefly, stating, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” adding, “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”
While Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations made by Giuffre, this latest investigation centers on the potential misuse of his former position as a trade envoy and the alleged transmission of confidential government information.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, when asked about Andrew’s relationship with Epstein, described the situation as “very sad and shameful,” and added, “I think it’s so bad for the royal family.”
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s relationship with her son has been a subject of public discussion. Royal biographer Robert Jobson reported in his book, The Windsor Legacy, that the Queen confided to a trusted aide, “You have to remember, he is my son,” during the height of the Epstein scandal, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty. A photograph taken in 2019 showed the Queen riding with Andrew in Windsor Great Park, a move some interpreted as a public display of support despite the growing controversy surrounding his association with Epstein.
