As of February 2026, Prince Andrew (now legally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) is facing renewed police scrutiny following the release of millions of documents from the US Department of Justice’s Epstein files. These revelations have prompted Thames Valley Police and a newly formed national police coordination group to assess allegations of misconduct in public office, specifically concerning claims that he shared confidential UK trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein. King Charles III has publicly signaled that Buckingham Palace “stands ready to support” any police investigation into his brother’s conduct. Additionally, the former Duke of York has been fully stripped of his princely titles and has vacated the Royal Lodge for private accommodation on the Sandringham estate.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find the latest details on the ongoing criminal assessments, the definitive breakdown of his lost royal titles, and an overview of his current living arrangements and relationship with the British Royal Family.
Current Police Investigations
In February 2026, Thames Valley Police confirmed they are “assessing” allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive government documents with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. These assessments follow the release of millions of pages of documents from the US Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The force is coordinating with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to determine if a full criminal investigation into “misconduct in public office” is warranted.
The allegations suggest that between 2001 and 2011, Andrew forwarded official briefings regarding trade missions to Singapore, Vietnam, and Hong Kong to Epstein. Some emails reportedly show these documents being sent just minutes after the Prince received them from his advisers. Furthermore, police are reviewing a separate claim involving the alleged trafficking of a second woman to the UK for a meeting with Andrew in 2010.
Royal Title Changes
In late 2025, King Charles III issued a Royal Warrant and Letters Patent to officially remove Andrew’s remaining royal styles, including the “Prince” title and the Dukedom of York. This move was described by palace insiders as a “tipping point” following the resurgence of the Epstein scandal and the release of new photographic evidence. He is now legally referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in all official capacities and legal documents.
While his “His Royal Highness” (HRH) style had been dormant since 2022, the 2025 decree ensured he no longer holds any honorary military affiliations or royal patronages. His former titles—Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh—have effectively returned to the Crown. This total removal of status ensures that he can no longer represent the monarchy in any public or private capacity.
Royal Lodge Eviction
As of early 2026, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has officially vacated Royal Lodge, his 30-room residence in Windsor Great Park where he lived for over 20 years. The eviction followed a long-standing dispute with King Charles III over the property’s maintenance costs and its appropriateness for a non-working royal. He has reportedly moved to a smaller, private residence on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
This move marks a significant shift in his lifestyle, as Royal Lodge was a Crown Estate property requiring substantial upkeep. His new accommodation at Sandringham is funded privately by the King through an annual stipend, rather than taxpayer money. Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, who shared Royal Lodge with him, has also relocated following the loss of her own honorary titles in 2025.
The 2026 “Epstein Files”
The “Epstein Files Transparency Act” led to the February 2026 release of over 3.5 million pages of evidence, including emails, flight logs, and photographs. Among the most damaging revelations were three previously unseen photographs of the former prince in compromising positions. These documents also revealed a 2011 email from a royal aide to Epstein claiming Andrew had “full support from mum” (the late Queen Elizabeth II) despite public outcry.
The files have reignited public demand for accountability, as they contradict several points made by Andrew during his infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview. Specifically, the logs suggest his meetings with Epstein were more frequent and occurred later than he previously admitted. The data has also implicated other high-profile figures, creating a broader political scandal in the UK known as the “Epstein Fallout.”
Relationship with King Charles
King Charles III has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding his brother’s public associations to protect the stability of the monarchy. In February 2026, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the King had “profound concern” regarding the continuing revelations from the Epstein files. This public distancing is unprecedented and signals that the King will not intervene to shield Andrew from legal proceedings.
The King’s decision to support police inquiries is seen as a strategic move to align the monarchy with the victims of abuse. By cutting off Andrew’s financial ties to the Crown Estate and removing his titles, Charles has effectively “retired” the former prince from the royal firm. Sources suggest that communications between the brothers are now strictly handled through legal and palace intermediaries.
Impact on Prince William
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, issued a rare statement in early 2026 expressing they were “deeply concerned” by the ongoing revelations. This move was intended to distance the future of the monarchy from the scandals of the past. During William’s official visit to Saudi Arabia in February 2026, palace aides worked to ensure the “Andrew news” did not overshadow diplomatic efforts.
The Prince of Wales is reportedly a key advocate for the permanent exclusion of his uncle from all family events and royal properties. Insiders suggest William views the situation as a threat to the institution’s credibility. His public stance has been more direct than previous generations, reflecting a modern approach to royal accountability.
Misconduct in Public Office
The specific legal charge being assessed by UK police is “misconduct in public office,” a common-law offense that applies when a public official willfully neglects their duty. Because Andrew served as a government-appointed trade envoy, his alleged sharing of confidential briefings with Epstein falls under this category. Conviction for this offense can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, though such cases are rare.
Legal experts note that the investigation must prove the disclosure of information caused a significant breach of trust or harmed the public interest. The Thames Valley Police are currently reviewing whether the information shared regarding Afghanistan and Southeast Asia trade deals was classified. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he never shared sensitive material.
Practical Information and Status
| Category | Current Status (2026) |
| Legal Name | Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor |
| Official Title | None (Formerly Duke of York) |
| Primary Residence | Private home, Sandringham Estate |
| Public Role | Fully retired; no public duties |
| Police Status | Under assessment by Thames Valley Police |
| Financial Support | Private stipend from King Charles III |
What to Expect in 2026
- Police Decision: An announcement is expected by mid-2026 regarding whether a formal criminal investigation will be opened.
- Public Appearances: Andrew is unlikely to appear at any public royal events, including Trooping the Colour or Garter Day.
- Civil Litigation: While the 2022 settlement with Virginia Giuffre resolved that specific case, further civil claims could emerge from the 2026 document release.
The Finality of the Royal Exit
The events of early 2026 represent the “endgame” for the former Duke of York’s association with the British Monarchy. Unlike previous “step-backs,” the current situation is marked by a total removal of royal style and a public endorsement of police inquiries by Buckingham Palace.
For the first time in modern history, the Crown has prioritized institutional survival over familial protection, signaling that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will live out his remaining years as a private citizen under a cloud of ongoing legal scrutiny.
The Permanence of Title Removal
The 2025 Royal Warrant effectively closed any path to redemption. By removing the “Prince” title—a birthright previously thought to be unassailable—King Charles III has created a legal and social distance that cannot be bridged. This move ensures that future generations of the monarchy, specifically under the reign of King William V, will not inherit the reputational liability of the Epstein association.
Key Milestones of the 2026 Status
- Legal Identity: Now officially recognized as Mr. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
- Residence: Shifted from the 30-room Royal Lodge to temporary accommodation at Wood Farm, Sandringham.
- Investigative Focus: Shift from sexual assault allegations to “Misconduct in Public Office” and potential “Official Secrets Act” violations.
Future Outlook: Legal and Personal
As the 3.5 million pages of the DOJ “Epstein Files” continue to be analyzed by the global press and UK authorities, the likelihood of a formal criminal probe remains high. While the 2022 civil settlement provided a temporary shield against US courts, the 2026 revelations have opened a domestic front in the UK legal system that the former prince is currently navigating without the benefit of sovereign immunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prince Andrew still a Prince?
No. In late 2025, King Charles III stripped him of the title. He is now legally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and does not use the “Prince” or “HRH” styles.
Where is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor living now?
He has moved from Royal Lodge in Windsor to a private property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. This move followed an eviction order from the King in 2025.
What are the new allegations in 2026?
The latest allegations involve “misconduct in public office,” specifically that he shared confidential UK trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as an international trade envoy.
Is the UK police investigating Prince Andrew?
Thames Valley Police and a national coordination group are currently “assessing” evidence from the released Epstein files. A formal criminal investigation has not yet been opened but is under active review.
Does Prince Andrew still receive taxpayer money?
No. Since stepping back from public duties in 2019, he has not received public funds. His current lifestyle is funded via a private stipend from King Charles III.
Can Prince Andrew be prosecuted in the UK?
Yes. Now that he no longer holds active royal status or immunity, he is subject to the same legal processes as any other UK citizen regarding the “misconduct in public office” allegations.
What was the “Epstein Files Transparency Act”?
It is a US legislative move that led to the declassification and release of over 3 million documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in early 2026.
Who is the head of the police group investigating the Epstein links?
The national coordination group is chaired by Gold Commander Louisa Rolfe, a former Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner.
Did King Charles III support his brother?
The King has provided private financial and housing support but has publicly stated that the Palace will cooperate with any police investigation into his brother’s conduct.
Is Sarah Ferguson still living with him?
Yes, Sarah Ferguson moved with him to the Sandringham estate. However, she also lost her honorary titles and “Duchess” style in 2025.
Final Thoughts
In early 2026, the status of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) has reached a definitive turning point, characterized by total institutional exile and active police assessment of criminal allegations. As of February 2026, Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are evaluating whether his alleged sharing of confidential UK trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein constitutes “misconduct in public office.”
This legal jeopardy coincides with his physical removal from the royal fold; following a formal decree by King Charles III in late 2025, Andrew has been stripped of his princely titles and the Dukedom of York. He has subsequently vacated Royal Lodge in Windsor and relocated to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
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