Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been arrested on his 66th birthday after a dramatic police operation at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where he has recently been staying.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the royal has been held on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following growing pressure on UK authorities to examine allegations linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The arrest was revealed after multiple unmarked police vehicles were seen arriving at Sandringham shortly after 8am on Wednesday morning, sparking intense public and political attention.
The story comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly insisted that “nobody is above the law” while several UK police forces review whether Epstein-related allegations should trigger criminal investigations.
What happened at Sandringham this morning?
Witnesses reported that six unmarked police cars arrived at the King’s Norfolk estate just after 8am, with around eight people believed to be officers in plain clothes.
Onlookers said the group parked near Wood Farm, a five-bedroom property once used by Prince Philip and now believed to be Andrew’s main residence after he was reportedly moved out of Royal Lodge in Windsor.
One individual was seen carrying what appeared to be a police-issued laptop, and a convoy of vehicles was later photographed leaving the estate.
While no full official briefing has been issued yet, the presence of police at Sandringham has triggered widespread speculation and urgent calls for transparency.
Why was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested?
Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
This is a serious criminal allegation, typically involving claims that a person in a public role abused their position or failed to act properly while holding authority.
… 🔥🚨Andrew Mountbatte Windsor arrested at Sandringham estate..
The disgraced royal has just been arrested over his ties to Peadophile Jeffrey Epstein at his home after multiple police cars turned up in the early hours of the morning… pic.twitter.com/BX5ZxdROFI
— Molitva Duse (@MolitvaDuse) February 19, 2026
According to information circulating alongside the Epstein-related documents, detectives are assessing claims that Andrew may have:
- shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy
- had links to individuals allegedly trafficked into Britain
- been connected to allegations involving travel and airport movements listed in Epstein’s flight records
Andrew has denied wrongdoing. At this stage, it remains unclear whether prosecutors have been consulted or whether further charges may follow.
What is the Epstein files probe, and why does it matter now?
The renewed focus comes after a wave of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the US financier who died in prison in 2019, resurfaced with claims involving trafficking, abuse, and alleged cover-ups.
UK authorities are now under mounting pressure to show they are treating allegations seriously, particularly those involving:
- potential trafficking routes into the UK
- alleged incidents in British locations
- claims involving influential figures
Political voices have also begun pushing for stronger action, including Gordon Brown’s demand that police should question Andrew over the Epstein-linked allegations.
The case matters because it tests public confidence in whether Britain’s justice system can act independently when allegations involve powerful institutions.
It also reopens painful questions for victims and survivors who say they were ignored for years.
Which police forces are involved in reviewing Epstein-related allegations?
Multiple UK police forces are understood to be reviewing whether they should open formal investigations connected to the Epstein material.
Reports suggest the following forces may be assessing information:
- Metropolitan Police
- Surrey Police
- Thames Valley Police
- Essex Police
- Bedfordshire Police
- Norfolk Constabulary
- Wiltshire Police
- West Midlands Police
- Police Scotland
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has also said it is supporting UK forces to enable “a full and independent assessment” of the released information.
This suggests the review has reached a national level, rather than remaining isolated within a single local police unit.
What has the Metropolitan Police said so far?
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it has begun “initial inquiries” into allegations involving officers who were previously assigned to protect Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Met said it had not identified wrongdoing, but it was looking into specific claims to establish facts.
The allegations reportedly relate to claims that close protection officers may have witnessed or ignored suspicious behaviour during overseas visits linked to Epstein.
This element is politically explosive because it raises questions about whether anyone within state protection services may have failed in their duty.
What did Keir Starmer say about the royal investigation?
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said anyone with relevant information should come forward.
He added: “One of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law, and nobody is above the law.”
He also suggested he would not block MPs who want a parliamentary debate on Andrew’s links to Epstein.
Starmer’s comments are significant because they place the government firmly on the side of law enforcement independence, rather than royal sensitivity.
What is the misconduct in public office allegation linked to?
Sources connected to the developing investigation claim the allegation may relate to Andrew’s previous role as a UK trade envoy, where he had access to privileged government and diplomatic information.
Investigators are reportedly looking into whether any confidential information was improperly shared with Epstein or others in his network.
If true, this would shift the focus beyond personal scandal and into potential national security concerns, which is why the case is now gaining major traction across law enforcement bodies.
What do we know about Wood Farm and Andrew’s situation at Sandringham?
Wood Farm sits deep within the Sandringham estate, around 300 yards down a private drive in Wolferton, Norfolk.
It is not open to the public and is heavily shielded from view. The property holds deep royal significance because it was reportedly where Prince Philip spent much of his final years.
Reports suggest Andrew has been staying there after being forced out of Royal Lodge, as royal tensions continue following his public fallout over Epstein connections.
What allegations have been made against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the past?
Andrew has faced long-running allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s network.
His most high-profile accuser, Virginia Giuffre, previously claimed she was trafficked and forced into sexual encounters with Andrew.
Andrew has always denied the allegations. Giuffre, who became internationally known as one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, died by suicide last year, reigniting public discussion around how victims are treated and how long investigations can take.
The wider Epstein case has also involved repeated claims from survivors who allege they were trafficked, abused, and silenced.
Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being investigated in the US as well?
Andrew is reportedly being urged to give evidence to a US congressional investigation linked to Epstein.
While UK police activity does not automatically mean US legal action, pressure is rising internationally for anyone named in Epstein-related records to cooperate with investigators.
Starmer’s remarks appear to support that stance, calling for anyone with information to testify.
How serious is this for the Royal Family?
This is potentially one of the most damaging legal moments for the monarchy in modern history.
Even if Andrew is not charged, the optics of a police raid at Sandringham, a royal estate closely tied to the King, raises unavoidable questions about the institution’s reputation.
It also places King Charles in a difficult position, balancing family ties with public expectation.
Reports suggest the King is willing to cooperate with police inquiries, although Buckingham Palace has not issued a formal statement.
