Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s decline in reputation has reached a climax.
The ex-prince was allegedly detained on Feb. 19 on charges of misconduct in public affairs.
Mountbatten-Windsor, previously recognized as Prince Andrew, has encountered significant examination regarding his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The monarch had earlier rejected any misconduct. However, he has remained silent since the U.S. Justice Department issued its most recent collection of documents on Epstein, which featured a photograph of the ex-prince positioned on all fours over an unknown woman on the floor.
Prior to that, Mountbatten-Windsor was featured in several pages and photos published by the U.S. government regarding Epstein since last autumn.
Here’s what to know about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal title in 2025.
Who is Andrew Windsor-Mountbatten? What is his position in the royal family?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the younger son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He has three brothers and sisters: King Charles III, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward.
Andrew was in a marriage with Sarah Ferguson from 1986 to 1996. They are parents of two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Charles released a statement following his brother’s arrest, expressing that he found out about it “with the utmost concern.”
“What comes next is the complete, just and suitable procedure through which this matter is examined in the correct way and by the relevant authorities.” In this matter, as I previously mentioned, they have our complete and enthusiastic backing and collaboration,” the statement expressed.
Even after losing his royal title, Mountbatten-Windsor continues to be eighth in the line of succession.
Why did Andrew lose his prince title?
In October 2025, Buckingham Palace declared that Andrew would lose his royal title, meaning he would no longer be referred to as Prince Andrew.
He was also ousted from his royal home at the Royal Lodge, subsequently moving to a property on the private Sandringham estate.
In a statement back then, Andrew mentioned “the ongoing allegations against me” as the motive for the choice.
“These criticisms are considered essential, even though he persists in rejecting the accusations made against him,” Buckingham Palace stated at that moment, noting that the king and queen’s “thoughts and deepest sympathies” are with the victims and survivors of abuse.
Three years ago, in 2022, he was removed from his position as a senior royal due to claims about his ties to Epstein.
What led to Andrew’s arrest?
On February 19, British authorities detained Andrew on allegations of public misconduct, as reported by various news sources in the UK.
Thames Valley Police in the U.K. announced that they have apprehended an unidentified man in his 60s and are conducting searches at locations in Norfolk and Berkshire, England
According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, six unmarked police cars and several plainclothes officers were seen arriving to the Sandringham estate, where Andrew recently moved.
British police said earlier this month officers were considering allegations that Andrew passed confidential government documents to Epstein.
What to know about Andrew’s connection to Virginia Roberts Giuffre
The late Virginia Roberts Giuffre was one of the most outspoken victims of Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.
In 2021, Giuffre filed a sex abuse lawsuit against Mountbatten-Windsor, alleging she was trafficked to him by Epstein when she was a teenager. The following year, Mountbatten-Windsor settled the lawsuit, though he continued to deny the allegations against him.
Giuffre took his own life in April 2025. Her memoir “Nobody’s Girl,” which partially recounts her relationship with Andrew, was published six months afterward.
Following Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, Giuffre’s family released a statement thanking the Thames Valley Police.
“Finally.” Today, the pain in our hearts has been eased by the news that no one is above the law, not even those of royal status,” her brothers stated in a message credited to them and their spouses.