Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor he was released from police custody a few hours after being arrested for alleged misconduct in a government office.
King Charles III confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday, February 19, that his brother Andrew has been arrested.
“I have read with great concern the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the allegations of misconduct in public office,” he said, according to the statement. Us Weekly. “What follows now is a complete, fair and proper process in which this matter is investigated properly and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, we have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”
Charles’ statement continued, “Let me make it clear that the law must take its place. As this process continues, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter. For now, my family and I will continue our work and serving you all.
A photo released 11 hours after his arrest shows a dejected Andrew sitting in the back of a car after being released from custody.
Keep scrolling to find out everything to know why Andrew was released:
Why Was Prince Andrew Released After His Arrest?
The UK’s Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew’s release from police custody hours after his arrest. Authorities told multiple outlets that the former Duke of York “has now been released under investigation.” Basically, this means that no formal charges have been filed, and Andrew has not been removed.
“Thames Valley Police will not be making any further statements at this time and will not be holding a press conference or holding any discussions with the media in relation to this investigation,” the statement said.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, on Thursday, February 19 – his 66th birthday. The United Kingdom’s Thames Valley Police confirmed that they “arrested a 60-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” Although they did not disclose the identity of the suspect, for the sake of the nation […]
When was Prince Andrew arrested?
News broke on February 19 that Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. Although the police did not confirm the name of the suspect they arrested, due to the national guidelines, many outlets confirmed that it was Andrew. Charles’ statement also confirmed Andrew’s arrest.
Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested?
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which is defined as “willful abuse or neglect of the powers or duties of public office.”
Earlier this month, UK authorities confirmed they were looking into Andrew following allegations the disgraced royal shared confidential information with the late sex trafficker. Jeffrey Epstein during his time as UK trade ambassador from 2001 to 2011.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first member of the British royal family to be imprisoned in nearly 400 years. Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February 2026 for alleged misconduct in public office. “I have read with deep concern of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s affairs and allegations of misconduct in public office,” the statement said. […]
How was that picture of Prince Andrew taken after his release?
A few hours after Andrew’s arrest, a photo of him sitting in the back seat of a car went viral. Reuters captured this photo and explained how this viral moment happened.
A photographer Phil Noble received a tip that led him to the police station in the English town of Aylsham. After hours of waiting, Noble received a call that two cars were leaving the station. After shooting six frames – “two showing the police, two empty, one out of focus,” according to the outlet – one photo of Andrew in the second car was published.
“You can organize and use your information and know exactly what you need to do, but everything still needs to be synchronized,” Noble told Reuters at the time. “When you shoot a car, it’s more luck than judgment.”
