Live updates as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'arrested on suspicion of misconduct'

19 Feb 2026, 10:05 Updated: 1h ago Follow live updates as former prince is arrested in Sandringham on his 66th birthday 19 Feb 2026, 10:05 | Updated: 1h ago Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on 66th birthday at his Sandringham home. Picture: Getty Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at his home in Sandringham today, his 66th birthday. Plain-clothed officers were pictured outside the Sandringham Estate on Thursday morning following investigations into the Royal's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.Thames Valley Police previously said the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.” Misconduct in a public office is defined as a "serious wilful abuse or neglect" of powers relating to a role in public office by the CPS.Follow our live blog here for the latest news. 2h ago10:23All we know so far as Andrew arrestedAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public officePolice officers have been pictured outside his house in the Sandringham EstateSimultaneous searches have taken place in Norfolk and Berkshire on Thursday morningNorfolk Police are assisting Thames Valley Police with the investigationToday (Thursday) is Andrew's 66th birthday16m ago12:24Photographers observe the Royal estate in SandringhamThe world's media has started to arrive at the Sandringham estate in the hopes of getting images of police activity on the grounds.19m ago12:21'At last': Virginia Giuffre's brothers thank Thames Valley Police for Andrew arrestVirginia Roberts Giuffre, right, speaks at a news conference in 2019Her brothers Sky Roberts and Danny Wilson said in a statement: "At last. Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty."On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor."He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you."35m ago12:05'The law must take its course,' says King CharlesThe King has released a statement following the arrest of Andrew.He said: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. "In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. "Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."45m ago11:55First royal spotted in public since Andrew's arrestThe Queen has arrived for an engagement in Westminster just hours after police confirmed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.Camilla was greeted by representatives of Sinfonia Smith Square where she will attend a lunchtime orchestral concert.55m ago11:45'Step toward accountability,' says Virginia Giuffre's attorneySigrid McCawley, Attorney for Virginia Giuffre, said: "This is truly a monumental moment in the Epstein survivor’s relentless pursuit of justice. "Virginia Guiffre worked for years to shine a light on the crimes being committed by Epstein and his co-conspirators and to send the message that no one should be above the law and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor today is a step toward that accountability."58m ago11:42Andrew will be in a 'bog standard cell': LBC's Crime Correspondent answers your questionsAndrew is unlikely to receive any special treatment due to his celebrity status.LBC's Crime Correspondent Andy Hughes explains:"He will be questioned by detectives. They will initially have 24 hours to decide whether to charge him or to bail him. In cases like this - and I do not want to make assumptions about this specific case - it is very normal for a suspect to be brought in for questioning. But the main purpose at this stage of the investigation is to gather evidence through a search."So it would be very normal for detectives to question Andrew, gather electronic devices, and look for any hard copies or other evidence. That material will then be assessed and the suspect may be bailed."Traditionally, you would be looking at 12 or 24 hours in custody, although extensions are possible. A senior officer can authorise a further 12 hours, taking it up to 36. After that, police would have to apply to a magistrates’ court for more time. That is generally reserved for very serious cases such as murder or terrorism."He will be held in a standard police cell. He will be booked into the custody suite, told what allegations he has to answer, and he will have legal representation. From today, the process of police interviews by detectives will be underway."1h ago11:29Andrew's financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein are 'his legal weak spot', says criminal defence lawyerJeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend de Grisogono Sponsors The 2005 Wall Street Concert Series Benefitting Wall Street RisingMarcus Johnstone, Managing Director of PCD Solicitors, who specialises in criminal defence for those accused of sexual offences, said: "Andrew’s arrest is not unexpected. His financial ties to Epstein are his legal weak spot, and certainly far easier to pursue than any allegations of sexual impropriety. "But although an investigation is now taking place, we are still a long way away from a potential prosecution. "Misconduct in public office is very difficult to prove. Authorities would have to find clear evidence that Andrew knowingly abused or exploited his position, which is easier said than done. "More likely, investigators will be using this as the basis to scrutinise his relationship with Epstein even further, and in doing so build a case that Andrew participated in some way in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. "His home can now be searched, and formal questions can now be put to him at interview. "A lot more detail is yet to come out, but no formal complaint against Andrew by any of Epstein’s victims has seemingly been made - and unless it is, any investigation is likely to be limited."1h ago11:12King Charles 'ready to support' Thames Valley PoliceKing Charles III (L) shakes hands with people as he arrives at a local community centre and family hub in Barking, east London on February 18King Charles released a statement last week stating that Buckingham Palace "stand ready to support" the police force if they are approached."The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct," a Palace spokesman said."While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect."1h ago11:03What sentence does the offence of misconduct in a public office carry?Misconduct in a public office, as we described in a previous post, is defined as a "serious wilful abuse or neglect" of powers relating to a role in public office by the CPS.Suggestions that Andrew abused his position as trade envoy were first raised in the latest release of the Epstein Files.This is a common law offence in England and Wales and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.1h ago10:58As it happened...Plain-clothes officers were pictured arriving at the Sandringham Estate in six unmarked police cars shortly after 8am. Sequential searches took place in Norfolk and Berkshire this morning,  Thames Valley Police confirmed.The force added on Thursday that a 66-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

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