Former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was arrested on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Metropolitan Police confirmed. The arrest, made on his 66th birthday, follows a review of files released in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case.
King Charles III has publicly stated that the legal process must be allowed to proceed. “Law must take its course,” a spokesperson for the King said, according to Sky News. The statement represents the first public comment from the monarch since his brother’s arrest.
The arrest centers on allegations of misconduct in public office, as revealed in documents related to the investigation of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News reported that the allegations pertain to Andrew’s conduct whereas serving as a trade envoy for the United Kingdom. Details of the specific alleged misconduct have not been released by authorities.
Andrew’s relationship with Epstein spanned decades, according to reporting by The Recent York Times. The released files reportedly contain information prompting the renewed investigation and subsequent arrest. The nature of the information leading to the arrest remains undisclosed.
The Metropolitan Police have stated that Andrew is currently in custody and is cooperating with the investigation. No timeframe has been given for potential charges or further developments in the case.
Members of Parliament have indicated they may investigate Andrew’s activities as a trade envoy, according to the BBC. This potential parliamentary inquiry would run alongside the ongoing police investigation.
The arrest comes after years of scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s association with Epstein and a previous settlement reached with Virginia Giuffre regarding allegations of sexual assault. Andrew stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following public backlash related to his connection to Epstein.
