Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released under investigation as he’s pictured for first time after being arrested

This probably wasn’t the visit the disgraced former prince was expecting

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his birthday on February 19 as police issued a statement.

Police were spotted at a property on the Sandringham Estate on Thursday morning. Andrew is currently residing on the estate following his exit from Windsor’s Royal Lodge.

The former Duke of York was taken into custody. February 19 also marked his 66th birthday.

The Metropolitan Police have also issued a statement following his release from custody.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested today (Credit: Cover Images)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on his birthday

On Thursday morning, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The specific details of the allegations of misconduct being investigated are unknown.

As per reports, six unmarked police cars and around eight plain clothed officers were seen arriving at the Sandringham Estate just after 8am.

One was said to be carrying a police-issue laptop.

The BBC shared that they had seen a statement from Thames Valley police, explaining the current situation.

They published this statement: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time.

“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested?

Scrutiny has been mounting over Andrew’s association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the recent release of millions of files relating to the disgraced financier last month.

Following the release of files, Andrew was accused of sharing sensitive and confidential documents with Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.

He served as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. In 2010, Andrew allegedly forwarded official reports from trade visits to Epstein, according to the files.

The files also appeared to show the former prince forwarded the disgraced financier information on investment opportunities in Afghanistan.

Under official guidance, trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality over sensitive, commercial, or political information about their official visits.

It was also confirmed that police were searching addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s representative has been contacted for comment. RI has also contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. This arrest should not be seen as any indication of guilt and there are no charges yet.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released from custody

On Thursday evening, Andrew was released from police custody.

As per reports, Andrew was photographed as a vehicle picked him up from Aylsham police investigation centre this evening, just before 19:00.

A photographer was able to snap the former prince, seen here, as he attempted to lean back on the backseat of the black Range Rover.

Thames Valley Police has said: “Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.

“On Thursday we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.”

Emerging reports claim that cameras are poised outside Andrew’s temporary home, Wood Farm, at Sandringham.

They are anticipating that the former prince will shortly return home.

Aisla Anderson, former press secretary to Andrew’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, said of the quickly circulating image of Andrew: “He looked dazed, he looked shell-shocked, he was slouching down.”

Andrew has faced much scrutiny over his links to Epstein (Credit: Cover Images)

Latest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor update

In the latest update regarding the investigation into Andrew, The Metropolitan Police have spoken out.

The Met Police service said they are “identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity, with Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor”.

They stated: “They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us.”

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. This arrest should not be seen as any indication of guilt and there are no charges yet.

On January 30, more than three million files relating to Epstein and his crimes were released by the US Department of Justice.

Since then, Andrew has been under intense scrutiny.

As well as the alleged emails between him and Epstein, images also appeared within the files.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured in the Epstein files

The images appeared to show Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified female lying on the ground.

No context has been supplied for the images. It’s also unclear when and where they were taken. Andrew’s team are yet to comment.

Whilst being named or pictured in the Epstein files doesn’t indicate any wrongdoing, Andrew’s appearance has sparked renewed scrutiny.

Just days after the files were released to the public, Andrew vacated his home of over two decades, Royal Lodge.

He is now temporarily living at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate. The former prince is said to be awaiting the conclusion of renovations at his new home, Marsh Farm, also on the Sandringham Estate.

For several years, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein have been scrutinised.

Allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Last October, Andrew lost his royal titles and honours.

He was also told to leave his Royal Lodge home.

At the time, his ties to Epstein was making headlines while his accuser Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir detailed her alleged encounters with the royal.

Ms Giuffre alleged she was made to have sex with Andrew on three separate occasions when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein.

Andrew has always denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations.

It’s worth noting that Andrew has not been arrested for anything surrounding Ms Giuffre.

Virginia Giuffre’s family speak out

Following Andrew’s arrest on Thursday, Virginia Giuffre’s family have spoken out.

Tragically, Virginia took her own life in April 2025, aged 41.

Her family’s statement reads: “At last, today our broken hearts have been lifted with the news that no one is above the law – not even royalty.

Virginia’s family have spoken out (Credit: Emily Michot/TNS via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
“On behalf of our sister, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police in their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

“He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”