2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 03:59 IST
The former prince allegedly shared sensitive, non-public government reports with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
While Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the transition of this case from civil litigation to a high-stakes criminal probe marks the most precarious chapter in his long-running fall from grace. Image/Reuters
In an unprecedented turn of events for the British monarchy, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released from police custody following a marathon questioning session that lasted nearly twelve hours. The younger brother of King Charles III was arrested on the morning of Thursday, February 19—his 66th birthday—at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. He was subsequently released on Thursday evening “under investigation", a legal status indicating that while he is no longer being detained, the criminal inquiry into his conduct remains active.
The arrest, executed by Thames Valley Police, centres on allegations of misconduct in public office. This specific charge is linked to his former role as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment, a position he held between 2001 and 2011. Recently unsealed records from the Epstein Files Transparency Act in the United States have allegedly provided documentary evidence that the former prince shared sensitive, non-public government reports with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Key documents under review include emails from 2010 in which Andrew reportedly forwarded confidential trade briefings regarding investment opportunities in Singapore, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Further scrutiny is being applied to reports that he shared internal “high-value commercial" data concerning mineral rights in Afghanistan, allegedly seeking Epstein’s “comments and views" on potential investors.
Throughout Thursday, police carried out coordinated searches at two significant locations: Wood Farm, his current residence in Norfolk, and Royal Lodge in Windsor, the Grade II listed mansion he was recently forced to vacate. While searches in Norfolk have reportedly concluded, forensic teams remained at the Berkshire property well into Friday morning.
Buckingham Palace has maintained a stance of transparency and compliance. In a firm statement, King Charles III expressed his “deepest concern" regarding the allegations but insisted that “the law must take its course". The king’s refusal to intervene underscores a definitive shift in the royal household’s approach, treating his brother as a private citizen subject to the same judicial rigour as any other individual.
As the investigation continues, legal experts note that misconduct in public office is a serious Common Law offence in England and Wales, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. While Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the transition of this case from civil litigation to a high-stakes criminal probe marks the most precarious chapter in his long-running fall from grace.
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First Published:
February 20, 2026, 03:59 IST
News world Released But Not Relieved: Andrew Leaves Police Custody ‘Under Investigation’ In Epstein Files Fallout
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