British police arrested former Prince Andrew on Thursday in connection with his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, was taken into custody by the Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The disgraced former prince was stripped of his royal titles in October 2025 following revelations about his ties to Epstein.
Police provided limited details about the arrest, citing British law, but said they were conducting searches at homes in Berkshire and Norfolk. According to the BBC, law enforcement said “it was assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material” with Epstein. This confidential material reportedly included trade documents. One email from the Epstein files released by the Justice Department showed Mountbatten-Windsor appearing to forward Epstein official trade reports for Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said. “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”
If convicted, Mountbatten-Windsor could face life in prison.
Credit: Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images.
Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who died by apparent suicide last year, alleged that Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her when she was 17. He previously settled a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing.
“He knows what he’s done and he can attest to that,” Giuffre said in 2019. “He knows exactly what he’s done and I hope he comes clean about it.”
Giuffre’s family welcomed the arrest.
“Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” they said. “He was never a prince.”
“For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you,” they added.
In a statement, King Charles III called for a fair investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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,” he said.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” the king added. “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. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
The Justice Department’s release of the Epstein files has rocked the United Kingdom, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over reported ties between former U.K. ambassador to the United States Lord Peter Mandelson and Epstein.
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