LONDON (AP) — Police conducted a search on Friday of the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York, following his arrest on February 19, 2026, when he was held in custody for nearly 11 hours. He faces allegations of misconduct in public office related to his ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Police have since concluded their search at Mountbatten-Windsor's current residence at the Sandringham estate, approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers) north of London, while continuing to investigate at Royal Lodge, his 30-room former home situated on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew until October 2022 when his brother, King Charles III, relieved him of royal titles and honors, has not yet been charged or exonerated. His arrest, which had been anticipated following years of allegations surrounding his association with Epstein—who died by suicide in prison in 2019—has ushered in one of the most critical crises faced by the British royal family in recent history. His arrest marks a significant historical moment, as he is the first royal to be arrested since King Charles I nearly four centuries ago.
The allegations center on claims that Mountbatten-Windsor inappropriately shared confidential trade information with Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy for the United Kingdom. Specifically, emails obtained and released by the U.S. Department of Justice reportedly indicate that he forwarded documents regarding official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore. One email, dated November 2010, was sent just five minutes after he initially received it, while another discussed investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province.
Police forces across the U.K. are also investigating Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections with Epstein. Although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, he has not addressed the latest allegations surfacing from the Epstein files. His arrest came unexpectedly as police entered the grounds of his residence around 8 a.m. on his 66th birthday. The details of what he communicated to the police during his questioning remain unclear, as he may have opted not to respond or invoked his right to silence.
Legal experts have highlighted the complexities involved in proving misconduct in a public office, as it necessitates establishing whether Mountbatten-Windsor held a verifiable public officer role. The decision on whether to bring charges will ultimately rest with the Crown Prosecution Service, which will weigh the prospects of a conviction against the evidence and the public interest involved.
The gravity of this arrest reverberates through the royal institution, and while King Charles III emphasized that the law must take its course in his statement, the investigations into Mountbatten-Windsor are expected to continue for an extended period. The allegations under investigation do not relate to claims made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to have sexual relations with the prince when she was only 17. Giuffre tragically passed away in 2025, and her family has expressed a mixture of emotions regarding this new development in the case.
As the situation unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see how this historic chapter for the British monarchy develops, bringing with it myriad implications for the royal family and their standing in society.
