Andrew Mountbatten-Windsorformerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, February 19, the BBC reported. Thursday marks Andrew’s 66th birthday.
The UK’s Thames Valley Police said in a statement Thursday that they “arrested a 60-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” It added that searches were being carried out in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The police force said it would not identify the man under national guidelines, although several outlets, including the BBC, identified Andrew as the person in custody.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright in a statement, “After a thorough investigation, we have now opened an investigation into these allegations of misconduct in public office.”
“It is important that we protect the integrity and purpose of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged crime,” he continued. “We understand the importance of the public interest in this case, and we will provide updates in due course.”
According to the BBC, Andrew was arrested early Thursday in Sandringham, Norfolk, England, where he moved after leaving his home in Windsor. It is reported that unmarked police cars were seen near the old king’s house.
Us Weekly has reached out to Andrew’s lawyer and Buckingham Palace for comment.
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police confirmed to the BBC that they were investigating allegations that Andrew had shared confidential information with a convicted sex offender. Jeffrey Epstein while serving as UK trade ambassador. He held that role between 2001 and 2011.
Royal watchers learned in October 2025 that King Charles III stripped his younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – formerly known as Prince Andrew – of his royal titles and kicked him out of his luxury home. The former grace official’s dramatic downfall is linked to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. […]
The police department also confirmed in early February that it was investigating allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to sleep with Andrew, following a BBC report. This incident is said to have taken place at Andrew’s residence, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, in 2010, the BBC reported on February 2.
In October 2025, Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew’s brother King Charles III he was stripping Andrew of his royal style, title and prestige amid growing scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment and his relationship with Epstein. Andrew has always maintained his innocence and denied any wrongdoing
“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. His tenancy at the Royal Lodge has, until now, provided him with legal protection for his continued residence,” the palace said in a statement at the time. “A formal notice of termination of the lease has been issued and he will be moving to a private residence. This accusation seems necessary, although he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
In early October, Andrew said he would no longer use his royal name.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s risky decision to give a single TV interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein proved to be a public relations blunder. In October 2025, King Charles III began the process of stripping his younger brother of his royal title as Duke of York and expelled him from the Royal Lodge – […]
“In discussion with the King, and my immediate and extended family, we are dealing with ongoing allegations about me that are interfering with the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Andrew said in a statement at the time. “I have decided, as I always do, to put my duty to my family and my country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to withdraw from society. With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel that I must go one step further. Therefore, I will no longer use my title or honor that has been given to me. As I have said before, I strongly deny the charges against me.”
The decline of Andrew’s dynasty began in 2019 there Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41, settled the lawsuit against Andrew for an undisclosed sum in 2022. Andrew has always denied his allegations.
Epstein, meanwhile, died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He was 66 years old.
