The translation of the text is: «The arrest of Prince Andrew: what awaits the brother of King Charles III?»
19 february 2026 в 18:13
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on his 66th birthday, February 19, 2026. Although Thames Valley Police did not name him, the king confirmed the arrest, promising «sincere support and cooperation» from the royal family with the authorities. Following the revelation of Andrew’s connection to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, many are questioning whether the former prince could go to prison and for how long.
The arrest made headlines on February 19. The public was eager to learn details as police conducted searches at both of Andrew’s residences—in Windsor and at Sandringham estate.
At the time of publication, it was unclear exactly where Andrew was arrested. The police only confirmed that a man in his 60s was detained on suspicion of abuse of power.
This article discusses how much time former Prince Andrew could spend in prison if he is found guilty following the arrest.
Andrew’s past connections with Epstein have cost him his reputation and trust. He was accused by the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre of sexual assault when she was 17 years old, after being trafficked into sexual slavery by Epstein. In 2021, she sued him; he denied the allegations. However, the following year he reached a legal settlement with Virginia for an undisclosed amount. In April 2025, Virginia took her own life. Later that same year, Andrew was stripped of his royal title.
Additionally, in early 2026, Epstein’s files revealed emails between Andrew and Jeffrey dated 2010 and 2011, in which the former prince may have shared confidential information related to his work.
As mentioned, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of abuse of power. According to British law, Thames Valley Police did not name the detainee.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying: «We understand the significant public interest in this matter and will provide updates in due course. Following a thorough assessment, we have opened an investigation into this allegation of abuse of power».
«Following a thorough assessment, we have opened an investigation into this allegation of abuse of power», - Wright added in his statement.
If Andrew is found guilty of abuse of power, this charge could carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the UK.
Now that Andrew has been arrested, he may be held in custody for up to 24 hours under UK law while the police conduct their investigation.
So far, Charles is the only member of the royal family to comment on Andrew’s arrest. The king issued a public statement saying: «With the deepest concern, I learned of the news regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of abuse of power».
«There should now be a full, fair, and proper process in which this matter will be investigated appropriately and by the relevant authorities», - the king continued. «In this, as I have said before, they have our full and sincere support and cooperation. Let me be clear: the law must take its course. While this process is ongoing, I should not comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to fulfill our duties and serve you all».
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, unbiased support, as well as local resources to help with healing and recovery.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
The arrest made headlines on February 19. The public was eager to learn details as police conducted searches at both of Andrew’s residences—in Windsor and at Sandringham estate.
At the time of publication, it was unclear exactly where Andrew was arrested. The police only confirmed that a man in his 60s was detained on suspicion of abuse of power.
This article discusses how much time former Prince Andrew could spend in prison if he is found guilty following the arrest.
Andrew’s past connections with Epstein have cost him his reputation and trust. He was accused by the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre of sexual assault when she was 17 years old, after being trafficked into sexual slavery by Epstein. In 2021, she sued him; he denied the allegations. However, the following year he reached a legal settlement with Virginia for an undisclosed amount. In April 2025, Virginia took her own life. Later that same year, Andrew was stripped of his royal title.
Additionally, in early 2026, Epstein’s files revealed emails between Andrew and Jeffrey dated 2010 and 2011, in which the former prince may have shared confidential information related to his work.
As mentioned, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of abuse of power. According to British law, Thames Valley Police did not name the detainee.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying: «We understand the significant public interest in this matter and will provide updates in due course. Following a thorough assessment, we have opened an investigation into this allegation of abuse of power».
«Following a thorough assessment, we have opened an investigation into this allegation of abuse of power», - Wright added in his statement.
If Andrew is found guilty of abuse of power, this charge could carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the UK.
Now that Andrew has been arrested, he may be held in custody for up to 24 hours under UK law while the police conduct their investigation.
So far, Charles is the only member of the royal family to comment on Andrew’s arrest. The king issued a public statement saying: «With the deepest concern, I learned of the news regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of abuse of power».
«There should now be a full, fair, and proper process in which this matter will be investigated appropriately and by the relevant authorities», - the king continued. «In this, as I have said before, they have our full and sincere support and cooperation. Let me be clear: the law must take its course. While this process is ongoing, I should not comment further on this matter. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to fulfill our duties and serve you all».
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, unbiased support, as well as local resources to help with healing and recovery.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
© Artemenko Olga
