UK Police Expand Andrew Inquiry

LONDON, Feb. 21, 2026 — British police are widening their inquiries into Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, the king’s brother formerly known as Prince Andrew, after the latest trove of Epstein files prompted new leads. The Metropolitan Police said it is contacting former and serving protection officers to ask whether anything they saw or heard could aid ongoing reviews, while officials scrutinize newly released U.S. records.

The Met said officers are being urged to share any relevant information and that it is assessing claims that London airports may have been used to facilitate trafficking linked to Jeffrey Epstein, according to statements reported by Reuters and the Guardian.

Investigation widens

Andrew was arrested Thursday by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released later that day after about 10 to 11 hours in custody, a move described by The Associated Press as an extraordinary step for a senior royal. Police said he was released under investigation, meaning he has not been charged.

Investigators are examining allegations that he shared confidential government material with Epstein during his time as Britain’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, a point detailed by Reuters and further explained in the BBC’s reporting on the evolving inquiry.

Broader inquiries and political fallout

The Met said it is seeking additional detail from U.S. law‑enforcement partners and coordinating with other British forces that are reviewing potential links between Epstein‑related flights and regional airports, according to the Guardian and BBC. The National Police Chiefs’ Council is helping to coordinate the multi‑force effort.

Politically, the government has signaled it would consider legislation to remove Andrew from the line of succession once investigations conclude, a move that would require agreement with other Commonwealth realms where King Charles is head of state, Reuters reported.

Royal family response

King Charles has issued a rare public statement saying the law must take its course, according to AP News, while Buckingham Palace has indicated it will support police inquiries.

Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing related to Epstein. He settled a U.S. civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability, Reuters noted.

Prosecutors have not yet provided formal advice to police, and a charging decision could take weeks or months as evidence is reviewed, the BBC reported.

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