Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent accusers, alleged that she was trafficked by Epstein for encounters with Mountbatten-Windsor on multiple occasions as a teenager.
CNN reported that, despite denying ever meeting her, he settled her lawsuit for millions of pounds in 2022. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, aged 41.
In 2024, a court case revealed that Andrew had maintained ties with a businessman suspected of being a Chinese spy, who was subsequently barred from the UK as a security threat.
According to PBS News, authorities feared the individual had exploited his access to Andrew to gather sensitive information.
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson was filmed in 2010 accepting cash from an undercover reporter, apparently in exchange for access to Andrew. It later emerged she had also accepted money from Epstein, despite his prior conviction for sexual offenses against a minor, as per Vogue India.
In October 2025, King Charles III removed his brother’s title as prince and initiated the process of evicting him from Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate in a bid to publicly distance the monarchy from the deepening scandal.
The mounting weight of the Epstein files, combined with years of reputational damage to the British Royal Family, left King Charles III with little choice.
Royal commentator Sandro Monetti told CNN that “this arrest today puts in question not only the future of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor but the entire future of the British Royal Family.”
Kate Williams said the controversy could become the royal family’s biggest crisis since Diana’s death, with questions likely reaching the top ranks.
As per Al Jazeera, Thames Valley Police released Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “under investigation” on the evening of February 19, 2026, after questioning him throughout the day.
Investigators are now reviewing material collected from his properties, which will determine whether formal charges follow. The next phase is expected to focus on digital evidence, official records, and communications linked to the allegations.
(With inputs from yMedia)