Police were seen at Sandringham Estate today (Thursday, February 19), where the former prince has been living after moving out of his Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Thames Valley police later confirmed that “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew is in custody and searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, police said.
King Charles seen for the first time arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
King Charles has been pictured today (February 19), carrying on with his duties as monarch.
The King continued with his planned ambassadorial in-person audiences in the Throne Room at St James’s Palace.
He was pictured welcoming the ambassador of El Salvador, Francisco Lima Mena, as part of a series of audiences at the royal residence.
He is also due to appear at London Fashion Week, which takes place from today until February 23, to “celebrate the community that sustains British creativity”.
The monarch earlier vowed he and the royal family would “continue in our duty and service to you all” after issuing a written statement insisting the “law must take its course” and expressing his “deep concern” over allegations against his younger brother of misconduct in public office.
A statement from the King on today’s arrest reads: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“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 co-operation.
“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.
“Charles R.”
It has been reported that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew’s arrest.
Queen Camilla has also been spotted following Andrew’s arrest, having arrived for an engagement in Westminster, where she is attending a lunchtime orchestral concert.
Wearing a velvet, navy coat, Camilla was greeted by representatives of Sinfonia Smith Square upon arrival.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have previously publicly addressed the Epstein scandal, with Kensington Palace saying earlier this month that they were “deeply concerned” at the “continued revelations” and that their thoughts “remain focused on the victims”.
Andrew arrested over ‘misconduct in public office’
On the arrest, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “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.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Thames Valley Police have opened an investigation into an offence of misconduct in public office.
A man in his sixties from Norfolk has been arrested and remains in police custody. As per national guidance we will not name the arrested man.
Read more: https://t.co/wehZDx4InV pic.twitter.com/b23l2KeOHG
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) February 19, 2026
Andrew is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.
He is effectively no longer a royal, becoming a commoner after he was stripped by the monarch of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with Epstein.
Andrew does, however, remain in the line of succession, being eighth in line to the throne, having gradually moved down after being born second in line.
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Pictures appear to show unmarked police cars at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside Andrew’s home.
Thames Valley Police previously said the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Andrew marks his 66th birthday today (February 19) and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
