Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested at Sandringham Estate
Thames Valley Police confirm they've arrested a man in his sixties on suspicion of misconduct in public office
Last updated 19th Feb 2026
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they'd arrested a man in his sixties on Thursday following allegations made against the former prince after the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The arrest comes as pictures circulated online appearing to show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside Andrew's home.
Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
Andrew's always denied wrongdoing over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles offers support for investigation
King Charles has released a statement about this morning's developments:
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King’s statement.
Police carry out searches in Berkshire and Norfolk
Thames Valley Police confirmed they are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk and that the Mountbatten-Windsor remains in police custody at this time.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
A number of police forces across the UK are assessing information released as part of the Epstein files document dump.
Officers from Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, the West Midlands, Wiltshire and Scotland have all said they are reviewing information.