Prince Andrew was arrested for 11 hours in Feb 2026 over misconduct linked to Epstein, sparking a major royal crisis.

In February 2026, Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested and detained for 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, marking the most severe crisis in the British monarchy in nearly a century. The unprecedented incident prompted widespread media coverage, police searches of royal properties, and public scrutiny, with comparisons drawn to past royal scandals like Edward VIII’s abdication. Despite the turmoil, King Charles III continued public duties, attending London Fashion Week and reaffirming the family’s commitment to service, signaling an effort to maintain stability amid ongoing investigations and growing questions about the monarchy’s future.