Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police and remains in custody. Officers have also been carrying out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk after formally launching an investigation.

A 66th Birthday Marked by Investigation

The 66-year-old was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office following what police described as a “thorough assessment” of the allegation. The case is now active.

Earlier that day, unmarked police vehicles were seen at Sandringham in Norfolk, where Andrew has been living since leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Searches are also underway in Berkshire.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police declined to name him directly, confirming only that a man in his sixties had been arrested.

The force said, “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 added, “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.”

He acknowledged the considerable public interest and said updates would be provided when appropriate.

A Royal First in Modern History

Although Andrew has previously faced serious allegations connected to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — claims he has consistently and firmly denied — this is the first time he has been arrested.

He is now the first senior royal in modern times to be taken into custody.

Police had earlier confirmed they were reviewing allegations that Epstein trafficked a woman to the UK for a sexual encounter involving Andrew, as well as claims that he may have shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

His detention follows a separate Metropolitan Police review into allegations concerning former close protection officers assigned to him. That inquiry stated it had “not identified any wrongdoing,” though “initial enquiries into these specific allegations have begun so we can establish the facts.”

Stripped of Titles and Royal Standing

In October 2025, King Charles III formally removed Andrew’s remaining royal titles, styles and honorary roles. He is no longer recognised as a Prince or Duke of York and lost the use of his HRH style, effectively becoming a private citizen — though he remains eighth in line to the throne.

Charles also revoked two major honours: his appointment as a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and his status as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. His name was removed from official registers.

Impact on His Family

Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, retained their titles and places in the line of succession — ninth and twelfth respectively. However, reports suggest they were deeply shaken as further damaging emails and allegations surfaced.

Royal author Robert Jobson said the sisters felt conflicted, having believed their father’s repeated assurances that he had done nothing wrong — the same explanation he had given to the late Queen Elizabeth and to Charles.

Among the revelations were claims that their mother, Sarah Ferguson, had taken them to visit Epstein shortly after his release from prison in 2009. Ferguson herself was affected by Andrew’s loss of status. After his Duke of York title was removed, she also lost her courtesy duchess title and reverted to her maiden name, with commentators noting the potential impact on her public profile.

William’s Push for Action

Prince William had reportedly urged decisive action years earlier. After Andrew’s 2019 BBC Newsnight interview — widely seen as damaging — William is said to have pressed his father to intervene.

A source explained, “Once you understand the fact that everything that happens in the here and now affects everything in the future, William’s future, it is very easy to put yourself in his shoes. He never much liked his uncle and wanted him out of the picture immediately before the rot further set in.”

Another insider said William believed Andrew had brought the crisis upon himself and should face the consequences privately. “The Prince of Wales was adamant the whole episode would never go away and, despite how others may have felt, there was absolutely no upside in Andrew being protected.”

The source added, “His view was crystal clear, Andrew shouldn’t be anywhere near the family under any circumstances, not by association, not at family functions, anywhere. Every single time there was a new revelation… it was a stain on all of the family.”

Treated as a Private Citizen

As investigations intensified, Buckingham Palace signalled a clear shift by referring to him as “Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor” in official communications, underlining that he would no longer be shielded by royal status.

Royal commentator Russell Myers described this as a watershed moment, noting that the institution was now publicly treating Andrew as a private individual.

At the same time, William and Catherine issued a rare comment through a spokesperson: “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

With his titles gone, his public standing diminished, and now under arrest, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces one of the most turbulent chapters of his life. As investigations continue and public scrutiny remains intense, further developments are expected in the weeks ahead.