UK's Disgraced Ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested Amid Suspicion Of Sharing Confidential Files With Jeffrey Epstein

London: UK's disgraced former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday over suspicion of misconduct in public office. Notably, the former Duke of York has been arrested on his 66th birthday. It is alleged that Andrew passed confidential official information to sexual offender and late American financier Jeffrey Epstein. The development revives global attention over his past links to the paedophile.

The police said in a statement, “As part of the investigation, we have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” The police are presently conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

Thames Valley Police, which did not name Andrew in its official statement, added, “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.”

It further said, "We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.” 

Did Andrew Share Confidential Files With Epstein?

It is alleged that Andrew passed sensitive official information to Jeffrey Epstein when he was a trade envoy in 2010 and 2011. Emails released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) from the Epstein files apparently showed that Andrew passed on reports of visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam and confidential details of investment opportunities to Epstein.

'No One Is Above The Law': UK PM

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, issued a statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying, “No one is above the law.” He also urged Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with the authorities and reveal information over is links with Epstein.

The PM said, “Anybody who has any information should testify. So whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.” He added, “Anybody who has got information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has, in my view, a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”

Virginia Giuffre & Andrew

One of the prominent accusers of Epstein, Virginia Giuffre, had sued Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021 for rape and sexual abuse. The lawsuit alleged that she had been forced to sleep with Andrew multiple times when she was just 17 years old. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was in his 40s during the time when the alleged abuse took place.

Andrew, who has always denied any wrongdoing, reached a financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022. Andrew had once claimed that he never met Virginia Giuffre.

A picture, which was released in the public domain earlier, showed Giuffre and Andrew at Maxwell's London house, the building where Giuffre claimed that she was forced to have sex with the royal family member. The picture showed Andrew standing with his arms around a 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell also featured in the picture.

In November 2025, Andrew was stripped of his ‘His Royal Highness’ and ‘Prince’ titles amidst the allegations.