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February 19, 2026 — February 19, 2026
World
Timeline: How Former Prince Andrew's Arrest Unfolded on February 19, 2026
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, became the first modern British royal to be arrested when police detained him on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations he shared confidential documents with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This timeline tracks the dramatic events of February 19, 2026, from his morning arrest to his evening release under investigation.
8 events · 0 days · 30 source articles
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Thames Valley Police arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on his 66th birthday
Police arrested a man in his sixties at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Though not officially named by police per UK law, media identified him as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose 66th birthday fell on this day. The arrest followed police assessment of allegations that he sent trade reports to Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 during his time as a trade envoy.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Police conduct searches at royal properties in Berkshire and Norfolk
Thames Valley Police confirmed they were carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of their investigation. The searches were conducted simultaneously with the arrest, with the suspect remaining in police custody. Police emphasized protecting the integrity of their investigation while acknowledging significant public interest.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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International media report historic first arrest of British royal in modern era
News outlets worldwide characterized the arrest as unprecedented and a historic downfall for the former prince. France 24 described it as an 'extraordinary new low' and the first arrest of a UK royal family member in the modern era. The arrest was linked to recently released Jeffrey Epstein files containing emails from someone identified as 'A' or 'The Duke.'
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Experts describe arrest as 'national earthquake' for UK
Commentators and historians characterized the arrest as a 'national earthquake' and an 'enormous embarrassment' for the British monarchy. Martin Farr, a senior lecturer in contemporary British history, emphasized the monarchy must be completely transparent in handling this unprecedented situation. The event dominated international news coverage throughout the day.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Virginia Giuffre's family says 'broken hearts have been lifted'
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who alleged Andrew sexually abused her after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, released a statement saying their 'broken hearts have been lifted' by news of the arrest. The family stated that the arrest demonstrated 'no one is above the law,' marking a significant moment for Epstein's alleged victims.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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King Charles III issues statement: 'The law must take its course'
Buckingham Palace released a statement in which King Charles III said he learned 'with the deepest concern' the news about his brother and that 'the law must take its course.' The King emphasized that police have his full support, maintaining a position of neutrality while the investigation proceeds. This marked the official royal response to the unprecedented arrest.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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US lawmakers respond to arrest, drawing parallels to American politics
Democratic lawmakers in the United States reacted to the arrest, with Rep. Melanie Stansbury suggesting President Trump should also face investigation over Epstein ties, stating 'If a Prince can be held accountable, so can a President.' Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who had pushed for release of Epstein files, applauded the arrest as proof that the powerful are no longer untouchable.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released under investigation after 11 hours
Thames Valley Police released a statement confirming that Andrew had been 'released under investigation' approximately 11 hours after his arrest. Police also confirmed that searches at properties in Norfolk had concluded. Royal biographer Christopher Wilson suggested authorities would have gathered 'a huge body of evidence' before making the arrest and predicted Andrew would likely appear in criminal court.
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