Key points
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Feb. 19, 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, part of an inquiry tied to documents from the Jeffrey Epstein file releases.
- Police carried out searches at properties linked to him in Berkshire and Norfolk and the arrested individual remains in custody while inquiries continue.
- The development prompted immediate statements from the royal household and widespread responses from accusers’ families and campaign groups calling it a historic moment of accountability.
Short summary — the core facts (as verified)
A man in his 60s from Norfolk was arrested Thursday morning under suspicion of misconduct in public office; multiple major outlets identify him as the former royal now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Thames Valley Police said searches were under way at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the probe; the force confirmed the person remained in custody.
Why investigators opened this inquiry now
The arrest follows a tranche of documents made public in January from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Epstein records, which investigators say contain material prompting a formal assessment of whether public-office misconduct occurred.
Authorities say the documents include references to diplomatic trip reports and other official materials that are now being examined.
What Buckingham Palace and the King have said
Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement saying King King Charles III is “deeply concerned” and that the royal family will cooperate with authorities while the legal process runs.
The palace emphasized the principle that “the law must take its course,” while stressing British legal protections that limit what police can publicly confirm during active investigations.
Reaction from accusers and advocacy groups
Family members of Virginia Giuffre welcomed the arrest as an important step toward accountability, saying it underscored that no one is above the law. Others urged investigators to move quickly and carefully.
Advocacy groups that pressed for fuller transparency of the Epstein files said the arrest validates concerns raised after the DOJ release about potentially improper conduct by powerful figures.
What the charge “misconduct in public office” means (brief primer)
“Misconduct in public office” is a serious criminal allegation in U.K. law that covers abuse or misuse of a public-facing role, including improperly sharing confidential information.
Police and prosecutors must gather evidence and decide whether to charge; an arrest is a step in investigation — not a finding of guilt.
Reporting responsibly — how you should read headlines
Newsrooms are using strong language because a senior royal’s arrest is historically significant; however, responsible coverage separates arrest and allegation from conviction.
We rely on statements from police, prosecutors and official spokespeople — and avoid amplifying unverified social-media claims — until courts or investigating agencies publish formal records.
Quick FAQ — short answers readers want
Was Prince Andrew arrested?
Yes — police arrested a man who multiple outlets identify as the former royal, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office; he remains in custody as of the latest official updates.
Is this about the sexual-abuse lawsuits from earlier years?
This arrest is tied to alleged misconduct in public office related to documents and interactions revealed in the Epstein file releases; it is separate from the civil settlement he reached in U.S. litigation in 2022. Authorities have said investigators are assessing multiple strands of potential wrongdoing.
Does an arrest mean conviction?
No. An arrest starts a criminal process. Prosecutors must consider evidence, decide on charges and, if charged, the case proceeds through courts where guilt must be proven.
Final take — why this matters beyond one headline
The arrest marks a rare moment when a senior member of Britain’s royal family has been taken into custody as part of a criminal probe.
It raises questions about public-office accountability, the fallout from the Epstein records, and how established institutions handle scrutiny of powerful people — all while the legal process unfolds.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes contemporaneous reporting and official statements as of Feb. 19, 2026. It reports an active police investigation and does not assume guilt; for definitive legal outcomes, consult court records and official prosecutorial filings.