Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested Thursday, on his 66th birthday, at his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, carried out by Thames Valley Police, followed revelations from newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The allegations center on claims that while serving as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment (2001–2011), Andrew shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment (2001–2011).
Emails released as part of the Epstein files appear to show Andrew forwarding sensitive reports about his official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore, as well as a confidential brief on investment opportunities in post-war Helmand Province, Afghanistan, to Epstein.
The files reportedly show him sending the material to Epstein shortly after receiving it (one just five minutes later; another on Christmas Eve 2010). This is a common-law offence of misconduct in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and involves the willful abuse or neglect of public trust by a public official. Police opened the formal investigation after assessing a complaint (partly triggered by anti-monarchy group Republic and new evidence from US files).
Andrew was taken into custody around 8 a.m. GMT, photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk later that evening, and released under investigation—meaning he has not been charged but remains under scrutiny. Police conducted searches at his Sandringham residence and his former home, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.
The 66-year-old has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. He previously settled a civil case with Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser who alleged he sexually abused her when she was a minor, though he has consistently denied those claims.
King Charles III, Andrew’s brother, expressed "deepest concern" over the arrest in a statement, emphasizing that "the law must take its course" and affirming full support for the police investigation. Notably, neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of the arrest.
This arrest marks the first time in modern history a senior member of the British royal family has been taken into custody, making it a historic and highly sensitive moment for the monarchy. The incident follows years of scrutiny over Andrew’s ties to Epstein, culminating in the revocation of his royal titles in October 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday, shortly after Andrew's arrest, describing the arrest as “a shame”** and repeatedly called it “very sad”** and **“so bad for the royal family.” He emphasized that he is an “expert” on the Epstein case, stating he has been “totally exonerated” and “did nothing” wrong.
When asked if American associates of Epstein could face similar arrests, Trump said, “Well, you know, I’m the expert in a way, because I’ve been totally exonerated.” He also referenced King Charles III, who is scheduled to visit the U.S. in April, calling him a “fantastic man, king.”
Trump claimed that “nobody used to speak about Epstein when he was alive, but now they speak,” and added that Epstein was “against me” and “fighting me in the election.”
