Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew and son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and brother to King Charles III, has been arrested in the U.K. and remains in police custody.
The BBC reported on Thursday that the Thames Valley police said a man in his 60s from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities are carrying out searches at two addresses, with unmarked police cars spotted at the royal family‘s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk early in the morning.
The former Duke of York, turning 66 on Thursday, Feb. 19, has for some years been under public scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The press has been made aware that police are looking into allegations of misconduct in public office against Andrew, as well as claims that a second woman was sent to the U.K. by Epstein for a “sexual encounter” with the royal.
Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, including allegations from a woman named Virginia Giuffre that she had been trafficked by Epstein to Andrew. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance,” the police said via a statement. “Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
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,” Wright added, “and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Misconduct of public office applies where a public officer wilfully neglects to perform their duty or wilfully misconducts themselves to such a degree that it amounts to an abuse of the public’s trust.
Simarjor Judge Singh, a managing partner at the Windsor-based Judge Law, said: “Misconduct in public office is a serious common law offence which requires prosecutors to show that a public officer deliberately breached their duty in a way that represents a serious abuse of public trust.”
“It is not enough for there to have been an error of judgment,” added Singh, “the conduct must be wilful and sufficiently serious.”
In 2026, the arrest of a royal family member is unprecedented in the U.K., though former royal status does not provide immunity from criminal law. While an arrest is not indicative of guilt, the news will still come as a shock to Britain and, crucially, the monarchy.