Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is arrested by Thames Valley Police on his 66th birthday after raids at Wood Farm in Sandringham and Royal Lodge in Windsor spark unprecedented royal scrutiny

On the morning of February 19, 2026, an extraordinary scene unfolded across the British royal landscape.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, spent over six hours in police custody on his 66th birthday following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The operation involved coordinated searches at both his new Norfolk residence, Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, and his longtime home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Details of his current location remain secret, but authorities have confirmed that he can be held without charge for up to 24 hours.

King Charles Issues Unprecedented Statement

King Charles III responded to the arrest with a rare and candid statement.

Without prior warning of the police operation, the monarch expressed his “deepest concern” for his younger brother while emphasizing that the law must take its course.

Charles confirmed that both he and the royal family would offer full cooperation with the police and highlighted the importance of a “full, fair and proper process.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly support the King’s statement, even though they were staying five miles away at Anmer Hall with their three children during the morning’s raid.

Norfolk and Windsor Raids in Action

Police arrived at Wood Farm shortly after 8 a.m., traveling in six unmarked vehicles.

Plain-clothed officers began the search at Andrew’s secluded Norfolk property, while a team simultaneously carried out a search at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Within an hour, a convoy including at least two royal Land Rovers linked to Andrew departed from the estate, confirming his detention.

The raids are part of a wider investigation into Andrew’s alleged misconduct while serving as a UK trade envoy and his controversial connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Investigators are reportedly examining emails suggesting that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein, including briefings on official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore, as well as potential investment opportunities in Afghanistan.

Several UK police forces are reviewing these allegations, including the Metropolitan, Surrey, Essex, Bedfordshire, West Midlands, Norfolk, Wiltshire, and Police Scotland, focusing on Epstein’s activities and the possible trafficking of young women into the UK.

Virginia Giuffre’s Family Reacts

The arrest has been hailed as a “monumental moment” by the family of Andrew’s chief accuser, Virginia Giuffre, who tragically died by suicide last year.

Giuffre had accused Andrew of sexual abuse on multiple occasions, claims the former duke has consistently denied.

Her family praised the arrest as a significant step toward justice, asserting that “no one is above the law, not even royalty.”

Wider Police Involvement

The investigation into Andrew’s alleged misconduct has drawn the attention of multiple police forces.

Thames Valley Police are at the center of the inquiry, investigating claims that Epstein sent a young woman to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew at Royal Lodge.

The Metropolitan Police are conducting initial inquiries into the conduct of close protection officers assigned to the former Duke, while Surrey, Essex, Bedfordshire, West Midlands, Wiltshire, Norfolk Constabulary, and Police Scotland are assessing a range of allegations connected to Epstein, including the possible use of airports and trafficking of victims.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also submitted additional evidence to the authorities, further expanding the scope of the investigations.

Sir Keir Starmer has publicly emphasized that “nobody is above the law,” urging anyone with information related to Epstein’s activities to come forward.

Allegations and Background

The legal scrutiny facing Andrew centers around documents released in the Epstein Files, which suggest that he may have shared sensitive government information with Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy.

Among the documents are emails showing Andrew forwarding confidential briefings, including information on trade visits and investment projects.

Questions also remain about allegations of trafficking and abuse connected to Epstein’s properties, including his infamous island in the US Virgin Islands.

Andrew currently resides at Wood Farm, a secluded five-bedroom cottage on the Sandringham estate.

The property, where Prince Philip spent his final years, is located down a private driveway in Wolferton and remains under high security, with police protection officers assigned to Andrew.

Public and Royal Reactions

The arrest has prompted strong reactions across the UK.

King Charles continues with public engagements, including an appearance at London Fashion Week, while Queen Camilla attended a separate engagement in London.

Royal biographer Jonathan Dimbleby described the arrest as a sign that the institution is functioning properly, adding that it does not damage the monarchy despite the unprecedented nature of a senior royal being detained by police.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated that Parliament could hold a public debate on the matter if members wish, emphasizing the principle of equality under the law.

The attention surrounding the arrest has also drawn media scrutiny, with intense public interest in both Andrew’s past activities and the ongoing investigation.

What’s Next?

Andrew can be held in police custody for up to 24 hours without charge, after which authorities will determine whether to formally press charges.

In the coming days, investigators are expected to question him about his communications with Epstein, his conduct as a UK trade envoy, and any potential involvement in human trafficking.

Multiple police forces continue to review documents and flight logs linked to Epstein, and the King and Buckingham Palace have pledged their full cooperation with the inquiries.

Summary

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was arrested on his 66th birthday and is currently in police custody while authorities conduct searches at Wood Farm in Norfolk and Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The arrest relates to allegations of misconduct in public office and possible links to Jeffrey Epstein.

King Charles has issued a rare statement pledging full support for the police investigation, while the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly back the King’s position.

Multiple UK police forces are involved in reviewing evidence and allegations, including human trafficking and the sharing of sensitive government information.

Andrew denies any wrongdoing, and investigators will determine whether to charge him once the 24-hour custody window expires.