Prince no more: Andrew arrested over Epstein ties

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is linked to allegations that he passed confidential government documents to the late U.S. financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to recently released U.S. government files.

The arrest took place on Thursday, coinciding with Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday. Officers from Thames Valley Police carried out operations at multiple locations, including his former residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, and his new home at Wood Farm, part of King Charles’ Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Six unmarked police cars and plain-clothed officers were reported at the locations during the searches.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his 60s from Norfolk had been taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While the force did not officially name him, details make it clear that the arrested individual is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Under British law, police typically withhold names until formal charges are filed.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s connection to Epstein has long been controversial. He was forced to step back from public duties in 2019 after allegations emerged linking him to Epstein’s network of sexual abuse. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, though he reached a private settlement with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre in the United States in 2022.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the arrest, emphasizing the principle that no one is above the law. He said anyone with relevant knowledge about crimes against women and children has a duty to come forward, regardless of their status or rank.

The former prince’s fall from grace has been a long and public decline. Once celebrated as Queen Elizabeth’s favorite son and a dashing military officer in the 1982 Falklands War, he later became known in tabloids as the “Playboy Prince.” Over the years, scandals surrounding his finances, personal relationships, and associations with controversial figures gradually eroded his public image.

Following the latest revelations and U.S. government file releases, King Charles formally removed Andrew’s royal title of prince in October 2025. Earlier this month, he relocated from Royal Lodge to the more discreet Wood Farm residence.

The ongoing investigation is being supported by Norfolk Police alongside Thames Valley Police. Officials have indicated that the probe is in its early stages, and no formal charges have yet been filed. Mountbatten-Windsor has declined to comment publicly on the latest developments.