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UK Police arrested the 66-year-old former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, as officials examined allegations from newly released Epstein files.
Former UK royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stepped back from public duties in 2019 amid mounting scrutiny over his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. (File photos)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 19, 2026 19:14 IST
Former UK royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested in what is being described as the first high-profile detention linked to the latest tranche of Epstein files since the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell.
Police confirmed that a 66-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but declined to name him. British media widely identified the arrested individual as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III. The arrest came on his 66th birthday.
The allegations centered on his decade-long tenure as a UK trade envoy. Material contained in the newly released Epstein documents, including emails, suggested that sensitive or confidential information from official trade visits may have been forwarded to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Officials are also reviewing separate claims emerging from the files, including an allegation that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein for an encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor.
His association with Epstein has shadowed him for years. He stepped back from public duties in 2019 amid mounting scrutiny. In October 2025, his princely title was also formally removed by his brother, King Charles III.
The document release included photographs showing Mountbatten-Windsor beside a clothed woman, crouched with his hands around her midsection. Virginia Giuffre has previously accused him of having sexual relations with her when she was 17, an allegation he has denied.
Following renewed fallout after the publication of her memoir, the King stripped him of his remaining honorary titles and ordered him to vacate his royal residence.
POWERFUL NAMES IN EPSTEIN DUMP
Beyond Mountbatten-Windsor, the fresh cache of Epstein-related files references several global figures.
Documents included material mentioning US President Donald Trump, along with references to Bill Gates, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, British entrepreneur Richard Branson and Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk.
Among the files is an FBI-compiled list of sexual assault allegations relating to President Donald Trump. Many entries are described as anonymous or based on unverified tips.
A draft email attributed to Epstein alleged that Bill Gates engaged in extramarital affairs. In the message, Epstein claimed his association with Gates ranged from assisting him in obtaining drugs to facilitating meetings with married women.
There is no indication in the files that these claims were independently verified.
Email exchanges also showed Epstein corresponding with Musk, including a November 2012 message asking how many people would be travelling "for the heli to island". Separate emails indicated that Epstein and Lutnick discussed plans to meet for lunch on the disgraced financier's Caribbean island in December 2012.
The documents further suggested that film producer and New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch was introduced by Epstein to multiple women, and depict what appear to be cordial relations between Branson and Epstein.
Authorities have indicated that further review of the material is ongoing.
- Ends
Published By:
Sahil Sinha
Published On:
Feb 19, 2026
