Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York widely known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested by Thames Valley Police. The arrest occurred on the morning of February 19, 2026, at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, a property personally owned by King Charles. The disgraced duke, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, is suspected of sharing confidential information with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy for the United Kingdom.
What Does Misconduct in Public Office Mean?
Misconduct in public office, often abbreviated as MiPO, is a serious criminal offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This charge applies to public officers, a broad category that includes elected officials, government staff, and prison employees, who wilfully neglect their duties. According to prosecution guidance, examples involve actions such as a police officer accessing a database to aid a criminal or a probation officer harbouring a wanted individual. The legal threshold is high, requiring an abuse of the public's trust; mere negligence or a serious mistake is insufficient to meet this standard.
What Happens Next After Andrew's Arrest?
Following the arrest, police procedures dictate that suspects can be held for up to 24 hours before they must be charged or released. An extension to 96 hours is possible only if granted by a court. If evidence is insufficient for charges, officers may release the suspect on bail. Alternatively, if not charged, the individual can be released under investigation, allowing them to return home while inquiries continue. The Crown Prosecution Service holds the authority to decide on charging offences. Notably, members of the Royal Family are not exempt from the law and can face imprisonment if found guilty of crimes.
Where Are the Royal Family Today?
In response to the arrest, King Charles issued a statement affirming that the law must take its course, emphasising a full, fair, and proper investigation by appropriate authorities. He is scheduled to open London Fashion Week in Soho, London. Queen Camilla attended a lunchtime orchestral performance at Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster. The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed support for the King's statement, as reported by the Press Association. Meanwhile, Princess Anne is visiting His Majesty's Prison Leeds in her role as Patron of the Butler Trust, which recognises work within the prison system. No official engagements are listed on the royal family website for today.
This arrest marks another chapter in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's fall from grace, following previous controversies linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The case continues to unfold, with legal experts and the public closely monitoring developments.
