1 hour ago
Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 18:08 IST
Prince Andrew, stripped of royal titles by King Charles III, was arrested amid ongoing scandals involving Jeffrey Epstein, Virginia Giuffre, and controversial international ties.
Prince Andrew, stripped of royal titles by King Charles III, was arrested amid ongoing scandals involving Jeffrey Epstein, Virginia Giuffre, and controversial international ties. (Image: AP)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking the latest chapter in a long history of scandals that have dogged the former royal.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties on Thursday but did not publicly name him, in line with UK law. The move followed what officials described as a detailed review, with a formal investigation now underway. Authorities are also examining allegations that Andrew shared confidential trade reports with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.
Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles by King Charles III in November 2025, has faced repeated scrutiny over his personal associations, financial dealings and conduct over several decades.
Here is a timeline of the key controversies:
1984: Paint-Spraying Incident
During a 1984 tour of California, the then 24-year-old Andrew picked up a paint sprayer at a renovation site and sprayed white paint toward assembled reporters and photographers. Several journalists and their equipment were reportedly damaged. He later remarked, “I enjoyed that."
2001: Allegations By Virginia Giuffre
Virginia Roberts, later known as Virginia Giuffre, alleged in court documents that she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to engage in sexual activity with Andrew while she was underage. Andrew consistently denied the claims.
2006: Royal Lodge Gathering
Andrew invited Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein to Royal Lodge on the Windsor Castle estate, shortly after a US arrest warrant had been issued for Epstein over sexual assault allegations involving a minor. Epstein was arrested days later.
2007: Sunninghill Park Sale
Andrew sold his Sunninghill Park property for a price reportedly above market value. The buyer was linked to Timur Kulibayev, a businessman associated with Kazakhstan’s then-president, prompting questions about the transaction.
2010: Visit To Epstein In New York
After Epstein’s release from prison for soliciting minors, Andrew visited him in New York. Around this time, allegations surfaced that he shared trade-related documents with Epstein.
2011: Photo Scandal And Trade Envoy Exit
A widely circulated photograph showed Andrew with Virginia Giuffre and Epstein. Amid mounting scrutiny, Andrew stepped down as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment. Media reports also examined his links to Libyan figures, including Said Gaddafi.
2019: Epstein’s Arrest And BBC Interview
Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges in July 2019 and later died in custody. Public focus intensified on Andrew’s alleged ties to him.
On November 16, 2019, Andrew gave a televised interview to BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, denying sexual contact with Giuffre and describing Epstein as having been “useful" for contacts. The interview drew widespread criticism.
Four days later, Buckingham Palace announced Andrew would step back from public duties. He subsequently lost patronages linked to over 230 charities.
2022: Titles Removed And Civil Settlement
In January 2022, Andrew was stripped of his military affiliations and ceased using the style “His Royal Highness."
In March 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre in the United States. The reported $10 million settlement acknowledged her suffering but included no admission of wrongdoing.
2024–2025: Fresh Allegations And Diplomatic Links
Court documents in 2024 highlighted Andrew’s relationship with Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who had been barred from the UK on national security grounds.
In early 2025, reports suggested Andrew had sent Epstein Christmas cards in 2011–2012, contradicting earlier claims of no contact after 2010.
In October 2025, Andrew reportedly met senior Chinese Communist Party official Cai Qi on multiple occasions, raising further questions over his international associations.
November 2025: Titles Formally Stripped
In November 2025, King Charles III formally removed Andrew’s remaining royal titles, including “Prince" and “His Royal Highness," following sustained public and political pressure.
With the latest arrest, Prince Andrew’s legal and reputational troubles have entered a new phase. Authorities have said the investigation is ongoing.
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Location :
London, United Kingdom (UK)
First Published:
February 19, 2026, 18:08 IST
News world Former UK Royal Prince Andrew Arrested: Inside His Long List Of Controversies
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