Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his role as UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Thames Valley Police are leading the investigation, which is expected to be very thorough and lengthy due to the complexity of the allegations [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, "The investigation is by necessity hugely thorough and will take time. It's not going to be a quick investigation by any means" [1].
The probe covers alleged sharing of sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein and other serious misconduct including possible corruption and sexual offenses [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has been cautioned [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Police are also looking into a claim that a woman was brought to a Windsor property in 2010 for sexual purposes involving Andrew, though so far no formal report has been filed [1, 5]. Wright stated police have engaged with the woman’s legal team, assuring that if a report is made it will be handled sensitively and with respect for privacy [5].
Following his February arrest, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles in October 2025. Andrew subsequently moved from the Royal Lodge at Windsor to Sandringham in Norfolk [1, 5]. The UK government released confidential documents on May 21 revealing that his appointment as trade envoy was recommended by Queen Elizabeth II [2, 3, 4, 6].
Misconduct in public office carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Oliver Wright stressed the investigation involves multiple aspects and many witnesses are being interviewed as the police work to assess the complex allegations [6].
Wright added, 中文說：「調查必須非常徹底，且需要時間，這絕不會是一次迅速調查。」 [2].
Police have not set a timeline for concluding the inquiry, signaling it will continue intensively in the months ahead [1, 2, 3, 4, 6].
