Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first member of the British royal family to be arrested in almost 400 years.
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the former prince’s brother King Charles III said in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”
Charles continued, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested? Charges Explained, Royal Family’s Reaction
Keeping scrolling for a complete history of the royal family’s arrest and legal history:
King Charles I
King Charles I was arrested in 1646 during the English Civil War after the Royalists were defeated. Charles I was confined to house arrest at Hampton Court Palace before his eventual escape. While he believed he found solace on the Isle of Wight, he was confined to Carisbrooke Castle and later placed in custody for treason.
Charles I was ultimately beheaded in January 1649 after facing crimes of tyranny in court.
Princess Anne
Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was found guilty over a dog attack in 2002. Anne was convicted of owning a dog that bit two children and was fined £500 for breaching 1991’s Dangerous Dogs Act. She was not arrested.
Prince Philip
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip, spoke with police officers in January 2019 after he was pictured driving without a seatbelt. BBC reported at the time that he was not arrested. The prince did not ever address the apparent warning before his death in 2021 at age 99.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was stripped of his royal titles in October 2025 over his past association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. While Epstein died in 2019 at age 66 while incarcerated, several of his misconduct claims resurfaced nearly six years later in 2025.
Andrew was arrested in February 2026 for alleged misconduct in public office.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Without sharing the exact charges, the Thames Valley police department told BBC that month that they were investigating claims that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. Andrew did not immediately address the allegations.
