Andrew's Downfall: First Royal Arrested

Prince Andrew, formerly known as the Duke of York, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct at his Sandringham home in Norfolk on February 19, 2026. This marks the first time a member of the UK royal family has been arrested in the modern era.

Born Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in 1960, he was once a popular figure, serving as a helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands War. However, his reputation has been severely damaged by revelations concerning his relationship with US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and alleged participation in illegal activities.

Fresh documents released by the US Justice Department earlier this month appear to show Andrew sending potentially confidential documents to Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. This has prompted multiple UK police forces to assess reports linking the former prince to Epstein.

Andrew's public image suffered significantly after a 2019 television interview where he defended his friendship with Epstein and failed to express sympathy for victims. He also faced ridicule for claiming he could not sweat due to a medical condition, countering accusations of inappropriate behavior.

In 2022, Andrew was stripped of his military and Royal Highness titles by his brother, King Charles III. He was also removed from his home on the Windsor estate and paid a multi-million pound settlement to Virginia Giuffre, who had sued him over allegations of sexual assault when she was a minor. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.