Australia’s prime minister has backed calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
Anthony Albanese wrote to Sir Keir Starmer to express support in any decision made to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor after he was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Senior MP and former Tory cabinet minister Tom Tugendhat has called for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to face a treason investigation over allegations he leaked sensitive government information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
It follows reports that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly charged taxpayers for massages during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
The then-prince used public money for massages and excessive travel costs while serving as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011, the BBC reports.
One former civil servant told the broadcaster they had initially refused his request to pay for “massage services” but were overruled by more senior staff.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in his links with Epstein, and has rejected allegations he made any personal gain from his trade envoy role. Police searches at his former home of Royal Lodge are to continue today.
Key Points
- Former duke 'charged taxpayers for massages while he was trade envoy'
- Australia PM supports removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
- Mountbatten-Windsor’s taxpayer-funded bodyguards told to provide security for Epstein party, emails reveal
- Majority of British public wants Mountbatten-Windsor removed from line of succession, poll suggests
- William admits he is 'not calm' after uncle's arrest in first appearance with Kate
Starmer: Government 'must let police investigation run its course' before looking at succession
15:40 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer has confirmed the Government is looking at options to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, but has affirmed that the police must be allowed to investigate without any interference.
He said: “It’s important that we let the police investigation run its course but I can tell you that the Government is looking at options in relation to succession. I think it’s important that we do that with all options on the table.
“But it is important now the police have started that investigation, that they go with that investigation and go wherever the evidence leaves them
“We fully support them with that. But on the question of succession, yes we are considering what measures can be taken, but that would have to be after a police investigation.”
Full Statement: Anthony Albanese supports calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to
15:20 , Bryony Gooch"Dear Prime Minister Starmer, in light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession.
"I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.
"These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously."
Australia supports removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from royal line of succession
15:00 , Bryony Gooch
Country supports removing Andrew from royal line of succession
Geordie Greig: King’s dignity will shine on US tour
14:45 , Bryony Gooch
King’s dignity will shine on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
Listed: The line of succession to the British throne
14:30 , Bryony GoochVoices: Why ex-Prince Andrew’s taxi photo is so dangerous for the royal family
14:15 , Bryony Gooch
Why ex-Prince Andrew’s taxi photo is so dangerous for the royal family
In pictures: Fire truck drives through entrance of Wood Farm on Sandringham Estate
14:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: King's dignity will shine through on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
13:45 , Bryony GoochWould Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's royal status protect him?
13:30 , Bryony GoochHolly Evans, senior reporter, reports:
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former royal status and his position as the King’s brother would not provide him with any legal immunity from the criminal justice system.
If he were to be charged with misconduct in public office, the case would proceed through the courts in the same manner as usual.
Mountbatten-Windsor should not face 'trial by media', Farage says
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage said Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “looks to have done some terrible things” but should not face “trial by media”.
It comes after Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he would back any UK government plan to remove Andrew from the line of succession.
“Mountbatten-Windsor looks to have done some terrible things, but they have not yet been proven,” Mr Farage told broadcasters.
“I don’t think we should allow trial by media. I don’t think we should convict anybody or pass parliamentary legislation until the police have finished their jobs, and possibly the courts too.
“I do believe in due process, and I do believe that people are innocent until they’re found guilty.”
Government considering 'further steps' after receiving letter from Australia
12:54 , Bryony GoochAthena Stavrou, political reporter, reports:
The government confirmed it had received a letter from Australia about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s place in the line of succession, and said it was considering whether to take “further steps”.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese wrote to Sir Keir Starmer to express support in any decision made to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
Asked about the letter, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “The government has received the letter.
“We are considering whether further steps are required in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and we are not ruling anything out.
“But given the ongoing police investigation it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.”
Badenoch: Department for Business and Trade should open files on Andrew
12:45 , Bryony GoochThe Department for Business and Trade should open its files on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor if they relate to “allegations of misconduct in public office”, Kemi Badenoch has said.
The Conservative leader, a former business secretary, was asked if she would support the department opening its files on Mountbatten-Windsor, who served as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
She said: “I’m quite sure that the police will be asking for those files in due course. If they haven’t already, there should be full transparency. As trade secretary, I know that the trade envoy rule is quite a low level role. Prince Andrew would have been given that because it could open doors, but if there is anything in these allegations of misconduct in public office, then all the files should be released and investigated.”
Mrs Badenoch was also asked if she supported calls from her Tory colleague Tom Tugendhat for a special parliamentary committee aimed at investigating Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson’s links to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
She said it was important to allow the police investigation into Andrew to “run its course”, and added: “It is extraordinary that right now the King has allowed the law to run its course while the Prime Minister is not releasing any files. He sacked the cabinet secretary who was overseeing the release of the files. Parliament has a duty to make sure that the Government is held to account.
“We should not allow what’s happening with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from the fact that the Prime Minister himself has a lot of questions to answer.”
Downing St: Special committee to investigate Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson up to Parliament
12:41 , Bryony GoochDowning Street said it was up to Parliament whether a special committee should investigate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Asked about calls for a committee to investigate the matter, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “This is a matter for Parliament, not Government.
“But we should remain mindful of the ongoing investigation in this case, and it’s right that the police investigation takes its course.”
Asked whether the Government would set up his own inquiry, the spokesman said: “I think we’ve been clear that it’s right that this investigation should take its course. That has primacy here, and as we’ve said we continue to cooperate with the Met and other forces.”
Downing St refuse to comment on allegations Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged the taxpayer for massages
12:40 , Bryony GoochDowning Street declined to comment on allegations Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged the taxpayer for massages and excessive travel costs while he was a trade envoy.
Asked about the reported allegations, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “As with every kind of specific allegation in this matter, that is something for the police to look at, not for me to comment on or give a running commentary on a live police investigation.
“But on the general point of whether the Government stands ready to assist the police in their inquiries, the answer is – and has consistently been – yes.”
How Andrew could be removed from the royal line of succession
12:20 , Bryony Gooch
How Andrew could be removed from the royal line of succession
Watch: Protesters hang photo of Andrew leaving police station in the Louvre
12:00 , Bryony GoochCampaigners call for 'wide-ranging royal inquiry' after arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
11:45 , Bryony GoochCampaigners have called for a wide-ranging royal inquiry following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor last week.
Republic has called for an inquiry that throws a spotlight on the royal household, it's secrecy, spending, influence and any allegations and accusations that have arisen in the past two decades.
The campaign group also said the inquiry should investigate the complicity of government, civil service, police and the BBC in creating an environment of royal impunity.
CEO Graham Smith said: “For decades it has been near impossible to get to the truth about the royals. They are shielded by layers of secrecy, protected by official deference and have gone largely unchallenged by a fawning BBC.
“This scandal is not just about Andrew, it is about a culture that has allowed the royals to do as they please, knowing there was little chance of repercussions. For that impunity victims of Epstein have likely paid a high price.
"The royals should be treated like any other public figure, challenged by the BBC, questioned in committees by MPs, investigated when necessary by the police and in no way above or beyond the law.
"There has been a conspiracy of silence, a collusion between some of the UK's major institutions, to ensure the truth remains hidden and that the royal image remains protected.
"Andrew spent his life surrounded by police, civil servants, royal staffers, his family and politicians. If allegations are true, how could that have carried on for more than two decades without anyone knowing.
"There have been allegations of abuse of public funds, questionable business dealings, cash for honours and complicity in money laundering levelled at other royals. Nothing is ever done.
"There must be a reckoning for all those who knew about Andrew and other scandals and misdeed and did nothing, there must be a full inquiry into the royal household and the culture of impunity that has surrounded it."
Australia PM supports removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
11:39 , Bryony GoochAustralian prime minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly written to Sir Keir Starmer to support any UK government plan to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the throne, according to Sky News.
Anthony Albanese wrote in his letter to his UK counterpart:
“Dear Prime Minister Starmer,
“In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession.
“I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.
“These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.”
Recap: Calls grown for wider probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's dealings with Epstein
11:30 , Bryony GoochCalls have grown from a range of public figures for a wider probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s past dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.
He has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne, and an Act of Parliament would be required to remove Andrew and prevent him from ever becoming king.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government will reportedly consider introducing such legislation once police have finished their investigation into the King’s disgraced brother.
Timeline of the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
11:17 , Bryony Gooch30 January - US Department of Justice releases a tranche of two million Epstein files mentioning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and other high profile figures.
9 February - Republic CEO Graham Smith files report with Thames Valley Police against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor for misconduct in public office following allegations in the tranche.
19 February - Thames Valley Police arrest Mr Mountbatten Windsor on his 66th birthday and open an investigation on suspected misconduct in public office.
He is released after 11 hours of investigation.
20 February - Thames Valley Police say searches in Berkshire, where Royal Lodge is, are ongoing and would likely to be ongoing until Monday.
23 February - Retired civil servants tell the BBC that the then-prince allegedly used public money for massages and excessive travel costs.
One former civil servant told the broadcaster they had initially refused his request to pay for “massage services”, but was overruled by more senior staff.
What is misconduct in public office?
11:00 , Bryony GoochHolly Evans, senior reporter, reports:
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), misconduct in public office is a common law offence and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
People can be charged with the office if it “concerns serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held”.
The CPS also states that there “must be a direct link between the misconduct and the abuse of those powers or responsibilities”.
Simarjot Singh Judge, managing partner at Judge Law, said: “Misconduct in public office is a serious common law offence which requires prosecutors to show that a public officer deliberately breached their duty in a way that represents a serious abuse of public trust.”
He said: “It is not enough for there to have been an error of judgment – the conduct must be wilful and sufficiently serious.”
While an arrest is a significant step, it does not mean that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor will face charges and is not a finding of guilt.
To secure a conviction, prosecutors would need to prove that the individual was acting in an official capacity and that the alleged misconduct was deliberate.
Recap: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s taxpayer funded Met bodyguards told to provide security for Epstein party, emails reveal
10:45 , Bryony GoochTaxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police bodyguards assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide door security for a lavish celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein’s New York home, emails suggest.
Two royal protection officers appear to have been told to act as doormen at the paedophile financier’s seven-floor Manhattan mansion in 2010, after he had been convicted of a child sex offence.
Amy-Clare Martin, The Independent’s crime correspondent, reports:
Andrew’s taxpayer funded Met officers told to guard Epstein party, emails reveal
Prince William says he is not 'calm' amid Andrew investigation
10:23 , Bryony GoochThe Prince of Wales has said he is not “calm” at the moment as an investigation continues into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Attending the BAFTAs, he responded to questions about whether or not he’d seen critically-acclaimed film Hamnet.
“I need to be in quite a calm state and I’m not at the moment,” he said. “I will save it.”
Pictured: Private security leaves Wood Farm on Sandringham Estate this morning
09:50 , Tara Cobham
Watch: Labour 'not ruling anything out' over removing Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
09:36 , Tara CobhamGordon Brown calls for investigation into reports Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded planes and RAF bases to meet Epstein
09:17 , Tara CobhamGordon Brown has called for police to investigate whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded planes and RAF bases to meet paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports.
The former prime minister has written to six police forces over the former prince’s time serving as UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, the Sunday Telegraph reports.
According to the newspaper, Mr Brown suggested civil servants be questioned over the matter, and has called for a full investigation into the trade envoy role, including its cost to taxpayers and anything that connects Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s government work to Epstein.
Calls for parliamentary action to remove Andrew from line of succession a ‘distraction’, Badenoch says
08:50 , Tara CobhamKemi Badenoch has dubbed calls for parliament to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession a “distraction”.
The Conservative leader said that while she “wouldn’t be opposed” to the former prince being officially taken out of the running to the throne, his position as eighth in line means it is “not something that's going to make a difference in terms of how we are governed”.
“What is the prime minister doing? Why did he appoint Mandelson? There are many more serious questions to be asked about that,” she told Good Morning Britain. “This is a distraction.”
Watch: Protesters hang photo of Andrew leaving police station in the Louvre
08:30 , Tara Cobham
Former duke 'charged taxpayers for massages while he was trade envoy'
08:10 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly charged taxpayers for massages during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011.
Though the role is unpaid, the former duke was able to access taxpayer funds for his overseas trips.
Retired civil servants have now told the BBC that the then-prince had used public money for massages and excessive travel costs.
One former civil servant told the broadcaster they had initially refused his request to pay for “massage services”, but was overruled by more senior staff.
"I can't say it would have stopped him, but we should have flagged that something was wrong,” they said.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in his links with Jeffrey Epstein, and has rejected allegations he made any personal gain from his trade envoy role.
When approached for a comment, the Department for Business and Trade pointed to Thames Valley Police’s ongoing investigation into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.
Some evidence related to Epstein investigations could have been 'destroyed', according to reports
07:59 , Tara CobhamSome evidence related to police’s Jeffrey Epstein investigations could have been “destroyed”, according to reports.
Police are probing whether victims were trafficked on the paedophile financier’s private jet into British commercial airports and RAF bases, the Times reports.
It adds that former prime minister Gordon Brown has asked forces to look at whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used RAF bases to take flights that could have been linked to Epstein.
But some of the trips date back two decades, according to the newspaper, while the RAF destroys passenger manifests after three months, and other information like air traffic control movement sheets after two years. And the Civil Aviation Authority told the Times that commercial airline manifests for UK carriers are usually destroyed after six or seven years.
Government looking into law to remove Andrew from line of succession
07:30 , Maira ButtThe government is understood to be considering bringing in a law to remove the disgraced royal, currently eighth in line to the throne, from the line of succession after the police investigation concludes.
A group of MPs are also considering launching a parliamentary probe into the role of UK trade envoys following the allegations.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles amid the ongoing scandal over his friendship with Epstein.
In 2022, he paid a reported £12m to settle a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought by Virgina Giuffre, who said she was trafficked by Epstein and made to sleep with the royal on three occasions. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement, the Met said it was working with US officials to review whether Epstein may have trafficked victims on his private jet through London Stansted airport.
Watch: King's dignity will shine through on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
07:00 , Maira ButtRecap: Search of Andrew's home to continue as Prince William admits he is 'not calm'
06:00 , Maira ButtSearches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s home are set to continue amid an ongoing police investigation into alleged government leaks to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince William and Princess Kate appeared at the Baftas together for the first time since the arrest of his uncle. William admitted he was not in a “calm state” as he answered questions from reporters.
The government is reportedly looking into removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession as MPs called for his claim to the throne to be cut.
Senior Tory MP Tom Tugendhat called on the former prince and Lord Peter Mandelson to face a treason investigation over their links to Epstein.
Activists hung a picture of Mountbatten-Windsor after his arrest in the Louvre in Paris.
From abdication to Diana, Harry and ex-Prince Andrew. A look at major British royal scandals
05:00 , Maira ButtHolding prestige but not power, Britain’s monarchy is finely tuned to public sentiment.
That's been evident with the disgrace of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the former prince who was arrested and held in custody for nearly 11 hours Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police are investigating whether Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade information with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when the then-Prince Andrew was a U.K. trade envoy. The arrest is unrelated to allegations related to Epstein’s sex trafficking.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his association with Epstein but has not commented on the most recent allegations, which stem from the release of millions of pages of Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department.
From abdication to Diana, Harry and ex-Prince Andrew. A look at major British royal scandals
Line of succession explained
04:00 , Maira ButtAt this time, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne.
First in line to succeed his father King Charles is the Prince of Wales, William.
His three children are next, with Prince George second in line, Princess Charlotte third, and Prince Louis fourth.
The Sussexes then slot into succession, with Prince Harry fifth in line and his children with Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet next.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor follows.
Is the royal family above the law? Why Andrew can be arrested – but not the King
03:00 , Maira ButtAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in what has been an unprecedented week for the royal family.
He is no longer a prince after his titles was removed following scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
But what are the laws around prosecuting a member of the royal family?
We take a look below:
Why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be arrested – but not the King
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s taxpayer funded Met bodyguards told to provide security for Epstein party, emails reveal
02:00 , Maira ButtTaxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police bodyguards assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide door security for a lavish celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein’s New York home, emails suggest.
Two royal protection officers appear to have been told to act as doormen at the paedophile financier’s seven-floor Manhattan mansion in 2010, after he had been convicted of a child sex offence.
The officers, given the job of protecting the prince, were staying at the multimillion-pound townhouse on 71st Street during the royal’s trip to visit his friend, according to emails unearthed in the latest tranche of the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy Clare-Martin reports:
Andrew’s taxpayer funded Met officers told to guard Epstein party, emails reveal
Police searches expected to continue at Royal Lodge after Andrew’s arrest
01:00 , Maira ButtPolice searches are expected to continue into Monday at the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest.
Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, spending 11 hours in custody on his 66th birthday, after allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
It comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales made their first joint public appearance since the arrest, attending the Bafta awards on Sunday evening.
Speaking at the event, William said he was not in a “calm state”.
Police searches expected to continue at Royal Lodge after Andrew’s arrest
Majority of British public wants Mountbatten-Windsor removed from line of succession, polling suggests
Sunday 22 February 2026 23:59 , Joe MiddletonThe majority of Britons think Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from the line of succession, according to recent polling.
The survey conducted by YouGov shows 82 per cent of the public think the former prince should be removed from the line of succession, and just 6 per cent believed he should not.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer’s government considers whether to introduce legislation to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from his place as eighth in line to the throne.
Prince William admits he is 'not calm' after Andrew arrest in first appearance with Kate
Sunday 22 February 2026 23:38 , Maira ButtPrince William has admitted he is not in a “calm state” as the fallout from his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor‘s arrest continues.
The royal family is facing its greatest crisis in decades after the arrest of the former prince on his 66th birthday on Thursday.
Appearing together with Princess Kate at the Baftas on Sunday for the first time since the arrest, William was asked if he had seen the film Hamnet.
“I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment,” he told reporters. “I will save it.”
'Inconceivable' Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's guards didn't see anything, ex-head of UK royal protection says
Sunday 22 February 2026 23:00 , Joe MiddletonThe ex-head of UK royal protection has said it is “inconceivable” that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s guards didn’t witness any alleged misconduct.
Speaking to Sky News, Dai Davies said: “"Wherever he (Mr Mountbatten-Windsor) went, he would have had a team of protection officers and they would have been with him normally 24 hours a day.
"Clearly at night they're not in the bedroom with him, but they're nearby, so that in the event of an incident, they could act in accordance with their training."
He added: "Many of them had been with him for years, and they would have gone to all the five residents [of Jeffrey Epstein] that we've been talking about in the United States, Virgin Islands, New Mexico, and Florida.
"So it's inconceivable to me, I'm sad to say, that nobody saw anything."
Watch: Protesters hang photo of Andrew leaving police station in the Louvre
Sunday 22 February 2026 22:06 , Joe MiddletonProtesters hang photo of Andrew leaving police station in the Louvre
Sunday 22 February 2026 21:27 , Maira ButtLuke Reevey reports:
Campaign group Everyone Hates Elon say they hung a photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor taken after his arrest in the Louvre.
An individual was filmed hanging a picture of the former prince, taken by Reuters photographer Phil Noble after Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation, in the Paris museum.
Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The royal has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Watch: Kate makes first appearance since arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Sunday 22 February 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWatch: King issues statement after arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Sunday 22 February 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane‘He was never a prince’: Virginia Giuffre’s family speaks out as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested in the UK
Sunday 22 February 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVirginia Giuffre’s family has welcomed news of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying, “He was never a prince.”
Police arrested the former royal on Thursday “on suspicion of misconduct in public office” in relation to his former role as a trade envoy.
While the arrest was not in connection with sexual abuse allegations against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, the family of Ms Giuffre, who was among his accusers, has issued a statement.
“At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” Ms Giuffre's siblings said in a statement shared with CBS News.
“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK's Thames Valley Police for their investigation and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
How the royal family is weathering its worst crisis in 90 years
Sunday 22 February 2026 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest has been labelled by some royal commentators as the family’s worst crisis for 90 years.
The Firm, which is known for trying to avoid scandal and present a united front, has been handed an unprecedented challenge with the former prince’s arrest.
You can read more about how the family is weathering the crisis below:
How the royal family is weathering its worst crisis in 90 years
Comment: The royal family is built to survive disaster, but Andrew’s disgrace will rattle it as never before
Sunday 22 February 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The royal family is built to survive disaster, but Andrew’s disgrace is a new low
Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Sunday 22 February 2026 18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has shocked many, described by one royal expert as “the most spectacular fall from grace for a member of the royal family in modern times.”
Craig Prescott, a royal expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, compared it in severity to the crisis sparked by Edward VIII’s abdication to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, warning “it may not be over yet”.
The former prince faces an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office, over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince, who became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
The Independent’s Bryony Gooch takes a look inside the police investigation that led to his arrest:
Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Timeline of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandals
Sunday 22 February 2026 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWidely purported to have been the late Queen’s “favourite” child, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has suffered a sharp fall from grace over the past decade.
The latest blow has seen him arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
But it isn’t his first controversy. You can read a full timeline of all of the disgraced former royal’s scandals below:
Timeline of Andrew’s scandals as royal arrested on his birthday amid Epstein claims
In pictures: Kate and William make appearance at Baftas
Sunday 22 February 2026 17:30 , Maira Butt
Line of succession explained
Sunday 22 February 2026 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAt this time, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth in line to the throne.
First in line to succeed his father King Charles is the Prince of Wales, William.
His three children are next, with Prince George second in line, Princess Charlotte third, and Prince Louis fourth.
The Sussexes then slot into succession, with Prince Harry fifth in line and his children with Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet next.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor follows.
'Inconceivable' Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's guards didn't see anything, ex-head of UK royal protection says
Sunday 22 February 2026 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe ex-head of UK royal protection has said it is “inconceivable” that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s guards didn’t witness any alleged misconduct.
Speaking to Sky News, Dai Davies said: “"Wherever he (Mr Mountbatten-Windsor) went, he would have had a team of protection officers and they would have been with him normally 24 hours a day.
"Clearly at night they're not in the bedroom with him, but they're nearby, so that in the event of an incident, they could act in accordance with their training."
He added: "Many of them had been with him for years, and they would have gone to all the five residents [of Jeffrey Epstein] that we've been talking about in the United States, Virgin Islands, New Mexico, and Florida.
"So it's inconceivable to me, I'm sad to say, that nobody saw anything."
Majority of British public wants Mountbatten-Windsor removed from line of succession, polling suggests
Sunday 22 February 2026 16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe majority of Britons think Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from the line of succession, according to recent polling.
The survey conducted by YouGov shows 82 per cent of the public think the former prince should be removed from the line of succession, and just 6 per cent believed he should not.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer’s government considers whether to introduce legislation to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from his place as eighth in line to the throne.
King’s dignity will shine on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
Sunday 22 February 2026 15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKing Charles's visit to the US this year will be an opportunity for the royal family to "shine through" after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, says Geordie Greig.
It comes as police searches at Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home of Royal Lodge enter their fourth day. Officers began to scour the Windsor property following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office on Thursday.
The Independent editor-in-chief told Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on 22 February that the royal family will "get through this," and the King's "confidence and diplomatic skills" will be highlighted on his US trip.
King’s dignity will shine on US tour after Andrew arrest, says Geordie Greig
Inside Royal Lodge: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s home for 22 years
Sunday 22 February 2026 15:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are carrying out searches at homes linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after his shock arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police confirmed officers were searching properties in both Berkshire, where his previous home of two decades, Royal Lodge, is situated, and Norfolk, where he currently lives on the King’s Sandringham estate.
The former prince was forced to give up his grade II-listed 30-room mansion in January after continued public backlash over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
You can read more below:
Inside Royal Lodge: Andrew’s home for 22 years as police search homes after arrest
Epstein accusers say Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest shows that ‘power can be toppled’
Sunday 22 February 2026 14:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne of the first women to accuse late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein of sexually assaulting her — and her younger sister — said she was thrilled by news that the man formerly known as Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles last year over his longstanding ties to the notorious predator, had been arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“I’m feeling elated,” Epstein survivor Maria Farmer, 56, told The Independent. “... I think it’s going to make all the difference for everyone. It proves that power can be toppled.”
You can read more below:
Epstein accusers say Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest shows ‘power can be toppled’
British line of succession: Who will inherit the throne and is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor still in line?
Sunday 22 February 2026 14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody – the first senior royal in modern times to be arrested.
But he still remains eighth in line to the throne, with only an Act of Parliament able to remove him from the line of succession.
Joe Middleton and Jane Dalton take a look at who is in line to inherit the throne below:
British line of succession: Could Andrew still inherit the throne?
Comment: The Epstein files toppled a prince and a lord in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
Sunday 22 February 2026 13:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Epstein files toppled a prince and a lord in the UK. How has the US elite escaped?
Is the royal family above the law? Why Andrew can be arrested – but not the King
Sunday 22 February 2026 13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in what has been an unprecedented week for the royal family.
He is no longer a prince after his titles was removed following scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
But what are the laws around prosecuting a member of the royal family?
We take a look below:
Why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor can be arrested – but not the King
Watch: Labour 'not ruling anything out' over removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from line of succession
Sunday 22 February 2026 12:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMountbatten-Windsor's 'one luxury' in police custody
Sunday 22 February 2026 12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on the morning of his 66th birthday, spending the entire day inside Aylsham police station in Norfolk.
He was reportedly allowed just “one luxury” while being quizzed by detectives - a cup of Yorkshire tea.
A source told The Sun: "There's two types of tea at Aylsham — Yorkshire Tea the cops take in for themselves and bland, tasteless vending machine tea.
"What you get depends on how the officers on the day feel. It's hard to imagine they served Andrew anything other than the good stuff, particularly if he was behaving well as you would expect."
Yorkshire Tea has a royal warrant, meaning it is officially supplied to King Charles. The source added: "It's hard not to see the irony that he was left sipping on a royal brew warranted by his brother. You couldn't make it up."
Recap: MPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
Sunday 22 February 2026 11:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAn influential group of MPs are considering launching a parliamentary probe into the role of UK trade envoys after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The business and trade committee will discuss its options on Tuesday amid the police investigation after allegations were made against the former prince following the release of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
It is understood that any inquiry would look at potential governance issues within the wider system and lessons to be learned, avoiding specific commentary on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor until there is no risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
MPs to consider inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew’s arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s taxpayer funded Met bodyguards told to provide security for Epstein party, emails reveal
Sunday 22 February 2026 11:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTaxpayer funded Metropolitan Police bodyguards for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide door security for a lavish celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein’s New York home, emails suggest.
Two royal protection officers appear to have been told to act as doormen at the paedophile financier’s seven-floor Manhattan mansion in 2010, after he had been convicted of a child sex offence, according to emails first reported by the Sunday Times.
The officers, charged with protecting the prince, were staying at the multimillion-pound townhouse on 71st street during the royal’s trip to visit his friend, according to emails unearthed in the latest tranche of the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin has more below:
Andrew’s taxpayer funded Met officers told to guard Epstein party, emails reveal
