Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 19, 2026
World
Timeline: The Arrest of Former Prince Andrew on His 66th Birthday
On February 19, 2026, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew and brother to King Charles III, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations he shared confidential government documents with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This unprecedented arrest marked the first time a member of the UK royal family has been detained in the modern era, culminating a years-long scandal involving his ties to Epstein.
11 events · 0 days · 30 source articles
Wed, Jan 1, 2025
Major
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stripped of royal titles
King Charles III, with parliamentary support, stripped his younger brother of his prince title and dukedom over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He became known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, though he technically remained eighth in line to the throne. This decision followed ongoing controversy about his relationship with Epstein and allegations involving trafficked minors.
Fri, Dec 19, 2025
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US authorities release Epstein Files
US authorities published thousands of emails related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files contained numerous communications from someone using the email identifiers 'A' or 'The Duke,' heavily implicating the former prince in potential misconduct during his time as UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.
Sun, Feb 1, 2026
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Thames Valley Police begin assessment of allegations
Thames Valley Police announced they were assessing allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had sent confidential trade reports and government documents to Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy. This investigation marked the beginning of formal police scrutiny into the former prince's conduct.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Police arrive at Sandringham Estate on Andrew's 66th birthday
News photographs captured police vehicles arriving at the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on the morning of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday. Thames Valley Police were preparing to make an arrest following their assessment of the misconduct allegations.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Former Prince Andrew arrested at Sandringham
Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a man in his sixties from Norfolk, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This marked an unprecedented moment as the first arrest of a member of the UK royal family in the modern era. Police conducted searches at addresses in both Berkshire and Norfolk.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Police confirm investigation opened into misconduct allegations
Thames Valley Police released a formal statement confirming they had opened an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. The statement emphasized protecting the integrity of the investigation while acknowledging significant public interest in the case. Though police did not name the suspect per UK law, they confirmed arresting a man whose description matched Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Arrest described as 'national earthquake' for UK
Experts and commentators characterized the arrest as a 'national earthquake' and an 'enormous embarrassment' for the British monarchy. France 24's London correspondent called it unprecedented in modern British royal family history. Historians noted this would require complete transparency from the monarchy in handling the situation.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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Virginia Giuffre's family responds: 'Broken hearts have been lifted'
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her after being trafficked by Epstein, released a statement saying their 'broken hearts have been lifted' by news of the arrest. The response highlighted the significance of the arrest for alleged victims and their families.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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King Charles III: 'The law must take its course'
King Charles III released a statement from Buckingham Palace expressing 'deepest concern' about the situation and declaring that 'the law must take its course.' The King affirmed his full support for police, marking a significant public acknowledgment from the monarch about his brother's arrest. This statement emphasized the monarchy's commitment to allowing justice to proceed without interference.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
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US lawmakers respond to arrest
American lawmakers, including House Republicans who pushed for release of Epstein files and Democratic representatives, responded to the arrest. Rep. Nancy Mace lauded the arrest, stating 'the powerful spent years believing they were untouchable.' Rep. Melanie Stansbury suggested if a prince can be held accountable, so can a president. Rep. Robert Garcia called it 'an enormous step forward' in the Epstein investigation.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released under investigation
Eleven hours after his arrest, Thames Valley Police released Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'under investigation.' Police confirmed that searches at the Norfolk Sandringham estate had concluded. A royal biographer suggested authorities likely gathered 'a huge body of evidence' before the arrest and predicted Andrew would likely face trial in criminal court. Police can hold suspects for up to 96 hours with proper authorization.
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