King Charles III's Brother Detained Amid Allegations of Sharing Confidential Information with Convicted Sex Offender

February 19, 2026 | London, United Kingdom – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and the younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest stems from newly released documents in the Jeffrey Epstein files, which suggest that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government information with the late American sex offender during his tenure as Britain's trade envoy.

The Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk, without naming him directly, in line with standard procedures. Searches are underway at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The development comes just weeks after the U.S. Department of Justice released over three million pages of Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, intensifying scrutiny on Mountbatten-Windsor's decade-long role as the U.K.'s Special Representative for Trade and Investment.

Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles last year amid ongoing controversy over his friendship with Epstein, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The Epstein files have brought fresh allegations to light, including claims of sexual assault, which he continues to refute. However, the current investigation focuses on potential misconduct related to his official duties rather than the sexual allegations directly.

In a statement, King Charles III expressed support for a "full, fair and proper process," emphasizing that "the law must take its course." The arrest occurred at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where Mountbatten-Windsor had relocated after being evicted from his previous royal residence in Berkshire earlier this month.

This marks a significant escalation in the fallout from Epstein's scandal, which has implicated numerous high-profile figures. Investigative journalists from outlets like the BBC, The New York Times, and The Guardian have utilized AI and data tools to uncover evidence linking Mountbatten-Windsor to the files. The British authorities' swift action contrasts with previous hesitancy, highlighting the impact of the extensive document release.

Mountbatten-Windsor remains in custody as the investigation continues. No formal charges have been filed yet, and his legal team has not issued a public response. The case underscores ongoing questions about accountability for those in positions of power and their associations with figures like Epstein.