UK police continued searching Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former Windsor home, on Friday after his February 19, 2026, arrest on his 66th birthday for suspected misconduct in public office over sharing confidential trade documents with Jeffrey Epstein.
Succession Debate
The British government is now considering legislation to remove him from eighth place in the royal succession line—a change needing approval from realms like Canada and Australia—reversing earlier reluctance post his title stripping and eviction.
Search and Probe Details
Thames Valley Police held him nearly 11 hours before release under investigation; Sandringham searches ended, but Royal Lodge operations, with unmarked vans, extend days amid Epstein file revelations of 2010 emails on trade visits (e.g., Asia, Afghanistan) and investments.
Broader Probes
Metropolitan Police assesses London airports for trafficking links with US help and urges Andrew’s ex-protection officers to share observations; no new sex offenses in their area. Multiple UK forces review Epstein’s UK ties.
Historic Context
First senior royal arrest since 1647 (leading to Charles I’s beheading), it’s compared to Edward VIII’s abdication; proving misconduct requires defining his public role and public interest tests. King Charles insists “law must take its course.”
Victim Echoes
Separate from Virginia Giuffre’s claims (settled 2022, she died last year), her relative sees arrest as partial vindication amid US calls for parallel action.
