Former Prince Andrew Arrested in U.K. Over Epstein Related Allegations, Faces Potential Life Sentence
British authorities arrested former Prince Andrew on Thursday in connection with matters tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, escalating the fallout from recently released Epstein related documents.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former royal was stripped of his royal titles in October 2025 following renewed scrutiny over his association with Epstein.
Police said they are conducting searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk but declined to provide extensive details, citing British law. According to reporting from the BBC, investigators are assessing a complaint involving the alleged sharing of confidential material with Epstein. The material reportedly included trade documents.
One email contained in files released by the Justice Department appeared to show Mountbatten Windsor forwarding official trade reports for Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam to Epstein. Authorities are examining whether that conduct could constitute misconduct in public office under U.K. law.
“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. The arrest also revives allegations made by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who died by apparent suicide last year. Giuffre had previously accused him of sexually abusing her when she was 17. He settled a civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing.
In a statement, King Charles III called for a full and fair investigation, saying the law must take its course. The Justice Department’s release of additional Epstein files has intensified political pressure in the United Kingdom, with renewed attention on prominent figures linked to Epstein and broader questions about accountability at the highest levels.