Britons in Spain react over news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
By Lottie Verrier • Updated: 19 Feb 2026 • 13:43 • 2 minutes read
Arrested and in custody Credit: Shutterstock Euan Cherry
British police have arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to reports from the BBC, and it’s certainly raised reactions from Britons in Spain.
The arrest took place on February 19, 2026, reportedly his 66th birthday, at his home, where officers from Thames Valley Police detained him during an early-morning operation.
The development represents a dramatic escalation in the long-running scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s past associations, particularly his links to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted American sex offender who died in 2019. Newly disclosed court papers and government records are understood to have prompted renewed attention from investigators. The documents reportedly raised questions about whether, during his tenure as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment between 2001 and 2011, he may have shared sensitive or confidential information with Epstein.
Andrew arrested and in custody
Police vehicles were seen arriving at Wood Farm, a property on the Sandringham estate in eastern England where Mountbatten-Windsor has been residing. Witnesses described several unmarked cars and plain-clothes officers entering the residence.
Thames Valley Police have stated that they are continuing to assess evidence but have declined to provide extensive detail at this stage, citing the sensitivity of the inquiry. No formal charges have yet been announced publicly. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations and has previously acknowledged that maintaining a friendship with Epstein was a mistake, while rejecting claims of misconduct.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”
The arrest follows years of public controversy that resulted in his withdrawal from royal duties and the removal of his honourary military titles and patronages in 2025. The latest developments have reignited intense media attention both in the United Kingdom and abroad, with legal experts noting that the coming weeks are likely to determine whether prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence to proceed further.
The police official added “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Britons in Spain react
Across Málaga, the Balearics and coastal expat communities, news of the arrest has spread rapidly, prompting anger, disbelief and deep scepticism about whether justice will follow.
Anger and outrage
“I think it’s absolutely disgusting. The Royal Family should be an example to the world. They are leaders paid for with our taxes.” – Martine Singer, Málaga
“No one is above the law. About time.” – Amy Mooney
“Finally.” – Sally Hart
Concern for the monarchy
“The Royal Family is at risk from this. He should go to the US Congress and testify like he has been asked.” – Mark Murray, Salamanca
Doubts about justice
“I bet he is sweating now.” – Mary Lee Day
“He’ll be put straight onto bail.” – Darren Chester
“He’s had years to plan answers and take the best advice. This will go nowhere sadly.” – Matthew Wilkinson
Accountability and victims
“The arrest is not about his victims, it’s about sharing information. I certainly hope he will be accountable.” – Teena Weena
Power and privilege
“Without public pressure he likely would have gotten away with it. This moved because of outcry.” – Ed Teixeira
“Hope he names others involved. Funny how the US doesn’t really care about its powerful people.” – Nicola Addison
“He will get the royal treatment.” – Leeann Carey
Even far from the UK, the case has ignited intense debate among Britons in Spain, highlighting how strongly issues surrounding the monarchy still resonate within expatriate communities.
Follow Euro Weekly News on Google News
Get breaking news from Spain, travel updates, and expat stories directly on your Google News feed.
Follow on Google NewsSign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Lottie Verrier
Lottie Verrier is a journalist and digital media specialist based in Mallorca. After a decade in London media, including a role as Deputy Editor for the MailOnline’s eCommerce division, she now combines her editorial expertise with a passion for the island to create engaging content that celebrates the best of life in Spain. Instagram @lottieinmallorca
Comments
Charles
19 February 2026 • 14:16Andrew is an arrogant nonce with a petculant for under age girls and rape
John
20 February 2026 • 15:48None of which has been proved in a court of law. Careful where you throw mud.
Linda Jones
21 February 2026 • 14:36Wow, all that passion and he has never been charged with anything to do with sex and underage people. From what I read in the Newspapers and see on the TV he is no different from any well heeled celeb but his big brother Charley boy was fooling around when he was married to a very beautiful young wife so his brother should keep quit for a while because he was worse than his sibling
Tomeck
19 February 2026 • 15:13Let’s not convict just yet. I am certain that the sordid facts about many depraved others will come out at a trial..if he doesn’t commit
“suicide”first.
Dr.Trth
19 February 2026 • 15:40All the ROYAL FAMILY KNEW and some members received money payments from Jeffery Epstein – They all should be arrested. The MET police again covering up crimes “MET police knew” just because of the Royal family. Corruption!
Dr.Trth
19 February 2026 • 15:44Comments being deleted LOL what a news outlet EWN is
naimah
20 February 2026 • 11:48He´s already been released, let´s hope they jail him when it goes to trial
Michael
20 February 2026 • 12:22The arrest is for malfeasance ( misconduct in a public office) and nothing to do with the Epstein saga. Hopefully the sexual offences investigation will start sooner than later
brian
20 February 2026 • 15:17In an interview he once said that he didn’t sweat. I bet hes sweating cobs now !!!!
Anne
20 February 2026 • 18:03Old Randy Andy… Seen all the photos but as others have mentioned, he won’t end up in jail – he is protected by the other millionaire and billionaire pedos. Hideous creature that he is!
mickey
20 February 2026 • 18:31Takes all the heat off Starmer and Mandy, who’d a thought it.
Andrew
20 February 2026 • 20:42I think the guy is unlikeable and I hold no candle for him, but he’s been the subject of an almighty pile on from the media and everyone given that he hasn’t actually been found guilty of anything yet. And he was by no means the only one, yet all the fury has been directed at him because of his position. I’ll bet he is feeling that the whole world is against him at the moment.
John
21 February 2026 • 11:15The royal family wouldn’t have paid out 12 million if they thought he was innocent. Why aren’t the police fully investigating the trafficking and under age sex abuse claims as well.
Comments are closed.