Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrest: King Charles Says “Law Must Take Its Course"

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrest: King Charles Says “Law Must Take Its Course”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegedly sharing confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest marks a first for the royal family. He was released under investigation while denying all accusations. King Charles stated that “the law must take its course,” and former Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that “nobody is above the law.” Legal experts note severe potential consequences for the allegations against Andrew.

advtanmoy 20/02/2026 3 minutes read

Thames Valley Police Arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Public-Office Misconduct Case

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released Under Investigation After Arrest

King Charles III said “the law must take its course” after detectives arrested his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office — the first such arrest of a modern royal. Officers took him to Aylsham Police Station on Thursday morning over claims he circulated confidential material to the convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Unmarked cars from Thames Valley Police arrived at Andrew’s Wood Farm residence on the Sandringham Estate around 8am, searching the property before moving to his former home at Royal Lodge in Great Windsor Park. He was released under investigation, with Norfolk Police assisting.

The king, informed only after the arrest, issued a statement offering “full and wholehearted support” for a “fair and proper process.” He continued royal duties at St James’s Palace, while Queen Camilla attended an event at Sinfonia Smith Square. Meanwhile, Princess Anne visited HMP Leeds in her role with the Butler Trust.

Hours earlier, the prime minister, Keir Starmer, remarked that “nobody is above the law,” urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the arrest followed a detailed assessment and was required to progress the inquiry, granting officers search powers without a magistrate’s warrant. The National Police Chiefs’ Council confirmed it gave the Home Office 30 minutes’ notice before the operation.

Andrew, who denies all accusations, is also connected to allegations resurfaced in the US “Epstein files,” including claims he shared sensitive briefings while serving as the UK’s trade envoy and that a woman was trafficked to Britain for him — allegations he rejects. The family of Virginia Giuffre issued a statement praising the arrest as proof that “no one is above the law.”

Former PM Gordon Brown said he had submitted new material to multiple forces. Legal experts note that misconduct in public office can carry a life sentence; prosecutors may also explore alleged sexual wrongdoing if evidence supports it.

The activist group Republic welcomed the arrest, saying it followed a crime report submitted by its chief executive. Meanwhile, the Crown Prosecution Service said it remains ready to support investigations alongside the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police.

Last year, after mounting concern over reputational damage from his ties to Epstein, Buckingham Palace stripped Andrew of his titles and announced he would leave Royal Lodge. US lawmakers on the US House Oversight Committee have asked him to testify in the United States Congress about his Epstein dealings — calls renewed after Thursday’s arrest.

February 20, 2026

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