Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested After Epstein File Release
Thames Valley Police arrested the king’s brother on Feb. 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office after the Justice Department released more than 3 million Epstein-related pages on Jan. 30, 2026.
Overview
Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19 on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, and he remains in custody, the force said.
The arrest followed the U.S. Justice Department's Jan. 30, 2026 release of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents that include photographs and emails referencing Mountbatten-Windsor.
King Charles III said "the law must take its course" and pledged "our full and wholehearted support and co-operation," and police said searches were carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The released files show photographs and emails and the Justice Department said it holds another 3 million pages it does not plan to publish, deepening scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor's official role and ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police said the investigation is active, that it will provide updates at the appropriate time, and that investigators are working with partners as enquiries continue.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by juxtaposing King Charles' composed Fashion Week appearance with Prince Andrew's arrest, using evaluative language (e.g., “shocked royal onlookers,” “disgraced royal”) and foregrounding documentary evidence—FBI reports, photos and Epstein file excerpts—while giving comparatively less space to Andrew's denials, steering readers toward a law-and-accountability narrative.
Sources (66)
FAQ
He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after the U.S. Justice Department released Epstein files showing he shared confidential government information, such as official reports and a brief on Afghanistan investment opportunities, with Jeffrey Epstein.
The files include an email thread where he forwarded official reports on his Asia visits received from his special adviser to Epstein minutes later, and another exchange sharing a 'confidential brief' on investment opportunities in southern Afghanistan, seeking Epstein's comments.
He remains in custody as the investigation by Thames Valley Police is active, with searches conducted at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, and police working with partners.
King Charles III stated 'the law must take its course' and pledged 'our full and wholehearted support and co-operation' to the police.
Misconduct in public office carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison in Britain.
History
15 sources
32 sources