Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released Hours After Arrest: 5 Points To Know

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew - Duke of York, was held in police custody for several hours on February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, British Police said. It was the first time in modern history that a member of the UK royal family had been arrested.  The arrest brought the world's focus to the proceedings and raised questions about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.

Here are five key details about the arrest.

1. What happened on February 19?

It was the day of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday. Brit

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew - Duke of York, was held in police custody for several hours on February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, British Police said. It was the first time in modern history that a member of the UK royal family had been arrested.  The arrest brought the world's focus to the proceedings and raised questions about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.

Here are five key details about the arrest.

1. What happened on February 19?

It was the day of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday. British police arrested him on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, without disclosing details.

The arrest came after emails were released by the US Justice Department that had been gathered as part of criminal investigations into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

2. Ties with Epstein

The underlying problem in this case is Andrew’s position as the UK’s trade envoy. A new set of leaked documents, nicknamed the 'Epstein files', seems to indicate that Andrew was sharing government and trade-related information with Epstein as early as 2010.

These files were released by the U.S. Department of Justice in the early months of 2026 and led to a UK police investigation into possible misuse of public trust by Andrew.

Abuse of public office is a serious offence in the UK, with the potential for a life sentence. However, this is an allegation that rarely sees the light of day and is solely within the discretion of the prosecutor.

3. Legal and Political Responses

The government and politics emphasise one thing: no one is above the law. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised that the legal process must be allowed to take its course without bias.

The police agree, saying that they have to walk a tight line so that the manner in which the report is made at the beginning does not affect the investigation.

4. The Reaction of the Royal Family

King Charles III reacted to the arrest, stating that he is aware of the arrest and is concerned. He further stated that the legal process should unfold, and the royal family will cooperate with the authorities.

He also stated that he cannot make any further comments on the case as it is ongoing. This is a historic moment in British history, as it is the first time that a royal of such high standing has been arrested for such serious charges.

5. The Reaction of the Public

The public reaction has been deeply stirred. Many believe that this arrest is only evidence that the justice system in Britain is fair for all people. The Giuffre family, who are major witnesses in the Epstein case, have commented that justice is finally catching up to Epstein’s crimes.

However, it must be noted that the crimes that are currently under investigation, such as those involving Prince Andrew, are not the same crimes that he has been charged with in the civil case for so long.