Investigation against ex-prince New Zealand also supports Andrew's exclusion from the line of succession

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of abuse of office. He has since been released - the investigation is ongoing.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 4 a.m.

New Zealand also supports Andrew's exclusion from the line of succession to the throne

Following Australia, New Zealand has also announced its support for the possible removal of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne. This was confirmed by a spokesman for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Should the government in London propose such a step, New Zealand would agree, the broadcaster Radio New Zealand quoted from a corresponding statement.

Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, is under investigation in the UK in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein sex offender scandal. Andrew was temporarily detained last week. The former prince is accused of misconduct in a public office: He is alleged to have passed information to Epstein in his former role as trade commissioner.

Speaking to media representatives, Luxon said that his government had already been in contact with the British Cabinet Office in recent days. "No one is above the law," he emphasized. New Zealand had already communicated this decision to the British government before Australia's position became known.

The Australian government had previously stated in a letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that it was behind the possible exclusion of Andrew. Australia and New Zealand are among the 15 Commonwealth states that would have to agree to a corresponding law. Charles' son William (43) is first in line to the throne, ahead of his son Prince George (12). Andrew (66) is in eighth place.

Friday, February 20, 10:40 a.m.

This is what scandalous Prince Andrew now faces

After arrest on his birthdayWhat the scandalous Prince Andrew now faces

11 p.m.

Andrew back at Sandringham

According to British media reports, Andrew has arrived at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk almost three hours after his release.

10.39pm

Chronology of a descent

Due to his involvement in the Epstein scandal, ex-Prince Andrew went downhill without a trace. He had long since lost his royal titles - now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had to spend his 66th birthday in police custody.

Connection to Jeffrey EpsteinAndrew's royal descent in 14 chapters

9.44 pm

Trump calls arrest of ex-Prince Andrew "very sad"

US President Donald Trump has regretted the temporary arrest of former British Prince Andrew in connection with the Epstein scandal. The incident was "very sad", said Trump on board the presidential plane Air Force One. It was "a disgrace" and "very bad for the royal family", Trump told journalists.

Trump reiterated that he himself was "totally exonerated" by the Epstein files. The president's name appears thousands of times in the files. However, it has not yet been possible to prove any personal misconduct on his part.

21.29

Searches completed

Thames Valley Police have confirmed the release of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

"We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk are now complete," the police statement continued. Officers did not initially provide further details of the investigation.

BREAKING: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of the U.K.'s King Charles III, was released from custody after he was arrested amid Epstein files revelations. pic.twitter.com/oAcJM4vbyV

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 19, 2026

9 p.m.

Former press officer: Andrew appeared "dazed"

"He seemed dazed, he seemed in shock, he was slumped over," his mother's former press secretary, Queen Elizabeth II, told BBC News about Andrew. Today's events will leave the royal family "battered" and "shaken", Ailsa Anderson added.

‘She would be absolutely horrified!’

Former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth Ailsa Anderson speculates what the late Queen would’ve thought of the arrest of Prince Andrew, adding ‘this has really caused dishonour to her family.’ pic.twitter.com/5L7v5dqDG7

— GB News (@GBNEWS) February 19, 2026

20.31

Andrew is at large again

Following his arrest this morning in connection with the Epstein scandal, the former British Prince Andrew has left the police station again, according to British media.

The BBC and British newspapers showed a photograph of the 66-year-old sitting slumped in the back of a car after dark. Thames Valley Police announced that Andrew had been released on conditional release following his arrest on suspicion of abuse of authority. The investigation continues.

7.43pm

Virginia Giuffre's family celebrates Andrew's arrest

The brother and sister-in-law of Virginia Giuffre have told the BBC's Newsnight program that they "celebrated" when they heard that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been arrested on suspicion of abuse of office. Amanda Roberts, who is married to Giuffre's brother Sky Roberts, told the BBC: "We are confident that this investigation will now lead to further inquiries into allegations of sexual assault."

Giuffre, who died in 2025 and was a prominent accuser of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, had previously claimed that Andrew had sex with her three times as a teenager. He has always denied the allegations and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022. This contained neither an admission of guilt nor an apology.

18:39

King Charles goes back to business as usual - and ignores questions about Andrew's arrest

King Charles continued his scheduled appointments unchanged following his brother's arrest, as reported by the BBC.

According to the report, he was seen this afternoon at an event to kick off London Fashion Week. He made no comments to reporters on his arrival and departure.

In the morning, he was also photographed greeting representatives of various countries at St. James's Palace, including the ambassadors of El Salvador and Spain and the High Commissioner to Kenya.

3.45 p.m.

Now it's getting political: criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has provoked sharp political reactions in the UK. The Westminster leader of the Scottish National Party, Stephen Flynn, speaks of a "very serious development".

He says the case shows why it was "a bad decision" by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deny Parliament a debate on measures against Mountbatten-Windsor in October. The former Prince should have been stripped of his titles and functions "as soon as possible". The Labour government's delay was a mistake.

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf also speaks out in Scotland. He emphasizes that due process is just as important as "accountability". For too long, "wealth, title and status have protected men". Yousaf credits the victims of Jeffrey Epstein - including Virginia Giuffre - with initiating the necessary "examination". He hopes for justice.

2.40 p.m.

New details on the arrest

Following the arrest on Thursday morning, new details are now coming to light. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at a property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk at around 8.00 this morning, reports the BBC. The raid was apparently early and coordinated.

But that's not all: according to reports, both the Sandringham estate and his former home in Windsor Great Park are still being searched by police. Investigators are securing evidence and examining possible connections.

The former prince is still in custody. However, it is not yet known in which police station or detention center he is being held.

2.36 p.m.

Kate and William join King Charles

After King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate have now also spoken out about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The signs from the palace are clear: unity at the top of the monarchy.

According to British media reports, the Press Association quoted a statement from the heir to the throne: "The Prince and Princess of Wales support the King's statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor."

William and Kate did not give any further details.

2.12 pm

First pictures in front of the Royal Lodge

We receive the first photos of the Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew's former country residence. The building, which belongs to the Crown, was the residence of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mum, in Windsor from 1952 to 2002. It then served as Andrew's official residence from 2004 to 2026.

According to the images, police searches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence are continuing. Officers stand at the gates of the sprawling estate while the media are kept at a distance at an outside entrance.

1.19 pm

King Charles speaks out

As reported by the BBC, the media has received a message from King Charles III. The monarch comments on the arrest of his brother.

It was with the deepest concern that I heard the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the allegations of misconduct in public office.

What now follows is a full, fair and due process investigation into this matter in an appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

In this, as I have already mentioned, they have our full and complete support and cooperation.

Let me make one thing clear: The law must take its course.

As long as these proceedings continue, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter.

In the meantime, my family and I will continue our duty and service to all of you. Charles R.

1:07 p.m.

This is what Prime Minister Starmer says

The tone is getting sharper in London. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (63) has taken a clear stance in an interview with the BBC - and once again publicly called on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with British and US investigators. The focus remains on Andrew's close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Starmer made it unmistakably clear what he expects: "No one is above the law," he emphasized. He continued: "Anyone who has information should testify. Whether it's Andrew or anyone else, anyone with relevant information should come forward to the appropriate authority."

The Prime Minister put the case in a wider context: "This particular case is about Epstein, but there are many other cases. Anyone who has information about any aspect of violence against women and girls, I think has a duty to come forward, no matter who they are."

12.55pm

The statement from the police

This is how the police announced the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten: "As part of the investigation we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of abuse of authority and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man currently remains in police custody. In accordance with national guidelines, we will not disclose the name of the man arrested. Please also note that this case is currently active and therefore caution should be exercised in any disclosures to avoid contempt of court."

Oliver Wright, Deputy Chief Constable said, "Following a thorough review, we have now launched an investigation into this allegation of abuse of authority. It is important that we maintain the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged criminal offense. We are aware of the high level of public interest in this case and will provide an update in due course."

12.53 p.m.

Now the family of Virginia Giuffre is speaking out

Following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the family of Virginia Giuffre (†41) is now speaking out. "Finally, our broken hearts have been made lighter by the news that no one is above the law - not even members of royalty."

Giuffre was one of the main witnesses in the Epstein case. She had accused King Charles' younger brother of forcing her to have sex when she was a minor. Andrew always denied the allegations and stated that he could not remember meeting her. In 2022, an out-of-court settlement worth millions was reached - without Mountbatten-Windsor admitting any wrongdoing.

The statement continues: "On behalf of our sister Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we express our gratitude to Thames Valley Police for their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor."

And especially clear: "He was never a prince. Survivors: Virginia did this for you!" With this message, the family is sending a strong signal - and increasing public pressure in a case that is once again shaking the British royal family.

Thursday, February 19, 12:50 p.m.

What will happen to Andrew Mountbatten now?

Following his arrest, the central question now arises: how long will Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have to remain in custody? According to police commentator Danny Shaw from BBC Radio 5 Live, the legal situation is clear: a suspect may be held for a maximum of 96 hours in the UK - but only with judicial authorization.

In practice, police custody usually lasts much shorter. "Suspects are usually held for 12 to 24 hours," says Shaw. This is followed by either a charge - or release while the investigation continues.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is being held like any other suspect - in a simple cell with "a bed and a toilet". Noble title or not: the same rules apply before the law. Whether charges are brought or he is released for the time being is therefore likely to be decided within a few days.

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According to the BBC, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, was arrested on Thursday morning. The police are investigating in connection with the former prince's business dealings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Media outlets such as "The Sun" report that several civilian police vehicles and apparently plain-clothed officers arrived outside the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk shortly before 8 a.m. (local time) in the early morning.

The 66-year-old has been living there for a few weeks after leaving his home of many years, the Royal Lodge. According to the BBC, he was arrested "on suspicion of misconduct in public office".

The police action coincided with Andrew's 66th birthday on February 19. The former prince rejects accusations based on leaked documents relating to the Jeffrey Epstein affair.

These documents include new questions about his conduct as a former UK Trade Representative and previous links with the late US financier Epstein. The authority had previously announced that it was investigating allegations that a woman was smuggled to the UK by Epstein in order to have a "sexual encounter" with Andrew.

The statement from Thames Valley Police

The local police confirmed the investigation in an initial statement, without naming the ex-Royal:

"Thames Valley Police have opened an investigation into the offense of misconduct in public office. A man in his sixties from Norfolk has been arrested and remains in police custody. In line with national guidelines, we will not be naming the man arrested."

Deputy Chief Constable Oliver Wright told the Sun newspaper :"Following a thorough review, we have now launched an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office."

Wright also stressed that it was vital to maintain the integrity and objectivity of the investigation while working with partner agencies to investigate the alleged offense. Andrew could reportedly remain in custody for up to 96 hours or be released on bail in advance.

The presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is handed down. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first high-ranking member of the royal family in recent history to be arrested.

All titles lost

Because of his involvement in the Epstein scandal, Prince Andrew has already lost all military ranks, honorary titles and royal duties. He also had to vacate his residence in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre had accused the royal of having sexually abused her on several occasions - including when she was still a minor. Andrew always denied the allegations.

In recently published Epstein files, British media also discovered emails that suggest that Andrew may have forwarded reports of official trips abroad - for example to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore - to the convicted sex offender.

King Charles helps investigators

The new allegations shook the British royal family once again. King Charles III announced that he would support investigations into his younger brother.

The monarch has already made his "deep concern" about the allegations clear - both with clear words and with unprecedented measures, a spokesman for Buckingham Palace explained last week.