Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested? What to Know About the Charges, What the Royal Family 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 had “arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” While they did not reveal the suspect’s identity, due to national guidance, multiple outlets confirmed that Andrew had been taken into police custody.

King Charles III confirmed that his brother had been arrested with a statement addressing the situation.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” he said according to the statement obtained by Us Weekly on Thursday. “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 cooperation.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about Andrew’s arrest so far:

Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested?

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Earlier this month, the Thames Valley Police told the BBC that they were investigating allegations that Andrew shared confidential information with late billionaire sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a U.K. trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. (Epstein died by suicide at age 66 in August 2019.)

“We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures,” a spokesperson for the police department told the BBC in early February.

The claims against Andrew came from emails that were released by the United States Department of Justice as part of the Epstein Files.

What Does Misconduct in Public Office Mean?

Misconduct in public office is defined as “serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held,” according to the Crown Prosecution Service website.

“There must be a direct link between the misconduct and an abuse of those powers or responsibilities,” the definition continues, noting that the maximum sentence if found guilty is life imprisonment.

How Is Prince Andrew Connected to Jeffrey Epstein?

Andrew was introduced to Epstein at some point in the 1990s — reports regarding the exact year differ. However, their former friendship started to make headlines in 2019 when the late Virgina Giuffre alleged that she had multiple sexual encounters with Andrew in 2001 when she was underage. Andrew has continued to deny the allegations.

By 2021, Giuffre sued Andrew for sexual abuse. The two settled outside of court the following year. Years later, Giuffre — who died by suicide at age 41 in April 2025 — further detailed her alleged experienced with Andrew and Epstein in her posthumously released memoir, Nobody’s Girl.

“In the years since, I’ve thought a lot about how he behaved,” Giuffre wrote of Andrew, in part. “He was friendly enough, but still entitled — as if he believed having sex with me was his birthright.”

What Did King Charles III Say About Prince Andrew’s Arrest?

Charles released one statement regarding the situation after Andrew was taken into custody. (Charles previously stripped Andrew of his royal titles in October 2025.)

“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,” the king shared, per the statement shared with Us. “Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Following Andrew’s arrest, both Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, were spotted out at public engagements.

What Did Prince William and Kate Middleton Say About Prince Andrew’s Arrest?

It appears William and Kate will not be speaking out following Andrew’s arrest. Us understands that the Prince and Princess of Wales are in full support of Andrew’s statement.

What Did Prince Harry Say About Prince Andrew’s Arrest?

Neither Harry nor any other royal family members have weighed in on the arrest so far.