First Thing: Former prince Andrew arrested at Sandringham estate | US news

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Good morning.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Photographs of unmarked police cars and plainclothes officers at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate just after 8am were published on Thursday. A statement from Thames Valley police said: “We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time.”

Police have been assessing allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with the billionaire child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.

  • What other information has the force shared? Thames Valley police previously said they were reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew.

  • This is a developing story: follow the latest updates.

Trump officials plan to build 5,000-person military base in Gaza, files show

The UN Development Programme delegation on a field visit in Gaza City, on 16 February. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The Trump administration is planning to build a 5,000-person military base in southern Gaza, sprawling more than 350 acres and ringed with watch towers and barbed wired, according to Board of Peace contracting records seen by the Guardian.

The site is envisioned as a military operating base for a future International Stabilization Force (ISF), planned as a multinational military force composed of troops promised by different countries. The ISF is part of the newly created Board of Peace, chaired by Donald Trump and led in part by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, which is meant to govern Gaza. It has faced criticism about its funding and governance, and major European allies have declined to join the group.

  • What is the ISF? According to the UN, which authorized the creation of a temporary force, the ISF will be tasked with securing Gaza’s border and maintaining peace within the area. It’s also supposed to protect civilians, and train and support “vetted Palestinian police forces”.

  • What about in case of renewed war? It’s unclear what the ISF’s rules of engagement would be if there was combat, renewed bombing by Israel, or Hamas attacks.

  • What other news is there from Gaza? A Lancet study has found that the death toll in the first 16 months of the war in Gaza was far higher than reported.

US military ready for possible Iran strikes but Trump yet to decide, reports say

Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

The US military is ready for possible strikes on Iran as soon as this weekend, multiple news outlets reported on Wednesday, citing anonymous sources.

However, the reports said that Trump had not yet made a final decision on whether to attack. The US president has repeatedly demanded Iran cease its nuclear program, and said he intended to use force if no deal was reached.

  • When might an attack come? According to the New York Times, CBS News and CNN, the US military has assembled sufficient air and naval resources in the Middle East to launch an attack in the coming days. But Reuters gave a different timeline, reporting that top US national security advisers were told that all US military forces deployed to the region should be ready by mid-March.

In other news …

Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg arriving to the Los Angeles superior court to testify in Los Angeles, California. Photograph: Jill Connelly/Getty Images

  • The Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, was questioned in a landmark social media trial over young people’s mental health on Wednesday, with lawyers for the plaintiffs arguing the company designed its platforms to be addictive.

  • The former president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been sentenced to life in prison for leading an insurrection in December 2024, making him the first elected head of state to receive the sentence.

  • Bernie Sanders railed against billionaire “greed” as he urged California voters to back a proposed tax on the state’s richest residents in a speech on Wednesday.

Stat of the day: Plastic production has doubled over the last 20 years

A mountain of rubbish in Indonesia, which is now banning imports of plastic. Photograph: Jonas Gratzer/LightRocket/Getty Images

In the past 20 years, plastic production has doubled. In her new book Plastic Inc, Beth Gardiner, an environmental journalist from the US, predicts it will double again, perhaps triple, in the near future. “I think what stood out most is the deliberateness and intentionality over the years of pushing plastic into our lives,” she says, noting the oil industry’s pivot towards petrochemicals for plastic as the world moved toward renewable energy.

The Filter: Nine easy DIY remedies for stuck zippers, wobbly chairs and more

You don’t need to be a pro to salvage many common household items. Photograph: Artem Stepanov/Getty Images

We’ve all gotten rid of an item before that could have been saved with a bit of time and, often, minimal effort. Whether it’s mending a wobbly chair, darning a hole in a sweater or fixing a toaster that won’t latch, repair experts share simple tips that will help you save money and extend the life of everyday essentials in minutes.

Don’t miss this: Why young Danes are having more sex than other gen Z’s

Kathrine Graa (left) and Clara Filippa Andersen, co-owners of Peech, an adult entertainment store in Copenhagen Photograph: Valdemar Ren/The Guardian

Young people in Denmark are having much more sex than their gen Z counterparts across the developed world. At a time when one recent US study found that 24% of adults aged 18 to 29 reported no sexual activity at all in the past year, Zoe Williams headed to Copenhagen to find out what is different in Denmark – and what role economic security, gender equality and a sex-positive culture play.

Climate check: Study finds global increase in hot, dry days ideal for wildfires

A firefighter battles the Eaton fire in Pasadena in January last year. Photograph: David McNew/Getty Images

The number of days with hot, dry and windy weather – ideal conditions for sparking extreme wildfires – has nearly tripled in the past 45 years globally, a new study shows. The trend is even more pronounced in the Americas, with South America experiencing a severe rise in fire weather days.

Last Thing: The hot new trend for minute-long TV shows

‘Squid Game, squeezed into a couple of hours and done on the cheap’ … vertical drama Game of Choice. Photograph: Reverse Clock Entertainment

Vertical dramas – series shot for smartphone viewing and usually in episodes lasting about a minute – are growing in popularity. “Every single Hollywood studio you can think of is involved or trialling,” says the vertical drama consultant Jen Cooper. “For actors in America, 90% of the jobs on [major casting platform] Actor’s Access are verticals.”

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Bill Gates withdraws from Indian AI Impact Summit | Science, Climate & Tech News

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Bill Gates withdraws from Indian AI Impact Summit | Science, Climate & Tech News

The Indian AI Impact Summit was meant to demonstrate that the country is a serious player in AI and serve as its showcase.

However, it has been dogged by controversies of alleged mismanagement, inconvenience to delegates, exhibitors and the public due to security sweeps, and allegedly false claims by an Indian University.

The official claimed that a Chinese ‘robodog’ was developed by her Galgotias University – with the institution later apologising for the minsunderstanding.

But it has been the participation of the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, who was to give a key address on the inauguration day, that has been the most damaging.

Galgotias University apologised for any confusion over the 'robodog'. Pic: AP
Image: Galgotias University apologised for any confusion over the ‘robodog’. Pic: AP

Mr Gates was scheduled to speak today alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, Google head Sundar Pichai, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and others.

Just hours before he was due to speak, a social media post by the Gates Foundation said: “After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI summit’s key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address.

“The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals.”

There was much consternation about Mr Gates taking part in such a high-profile event when last month the US Justice Department released emails, photographs and documents of his exchange with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Read more from Sky News:
British couple sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol handed life sentence

Mr Gates maintains that his relationship and repeated meetings with Epstein were confined to philanthropy-related discussions and that it was a mistake for him to meet Epstein.

Until yesterday, the Gates Foundation asserted and stated, “Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled.”



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Cam Newton talks women who have children with multiple fathers

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Cam Newton talks women who have children with multiple fathers

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Former NFL star Cam Newton opened up on his thoughts about women having children with multiple fathers in a recent podcast.

“It’s Giving” host Sarah Fontenot talked to the former Carolina Panthers star about having a child and bringing a new man into her life. She asked Newton whether he felt like a woman’s “value gets lowered when they have multiple children by multiple men.”

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Cam Newton in February 2025

Cam Newton on radio row at the Super Bowl LIX media center on Feb. 7, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

“I just think that the reality of that answer is that women’s value gets lowered the more children that they have,” he said on the podcast. “I was having this conversation with one of the mothers of my children and she’s still fine. Like, I was telling her, ‘The guy that you’re dating or will date, if he ain’t willing to love on these five children that you have, he ain’t the guy for you.’

“Because when I came into your life, I was willing to accept you and whatever you had and there’s guys that’s out there that’s going to say, ‘Them ain’t my kids. I want you.’ Well, that ain’t how that works. But that’s not to say you can’t find nobody. I’m pretty sure she has somebody.”

Fontenot pressed Newton further, asking whether he believed that’s the best she could do if she didn’t have kids. Newton said that he didn’t feel like she could do better than him.

KRISTIN CAVALLARI’S STRICT 6-MONTH DATING RULE SHE FOLLOWS AFTER PAST RELATIONSHIP MISTAKES

Cam Newton playing for the Panthers

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) on the sidelines in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome on Jan. 2, 2022.  (Chuck Cook/USA TODAY Sports)

She added that she didn’t feel like most women did better than the man who is the father of their children.

“It’s real love. I owe a service to them,” he said. “I will forever be indebted to them because no matter how they make me feel, once I come back to the ground of, ‘Yo, that’s still the mother of my children.’ It’s like one of those family business type of situations. We can have our spats, but when we leave this door, you’ll never necessarily know and we know, individually, like, bro, don’t talk to me right now.

“But then, certain things will happen, and you know you could count on me. It’s just our toxic thrill.”

Newton said that as he’s gotten older he’s come to terms with controlling his thinking, “altering” himself and “controlling the negativity.”

Cam Newton on ESPN programming

ESPN commentator Cam Newton dances during a commercial break of “First Tak”e which broadcasted live from Delaware State University on Oct. 29, 2025. (Damian Giletto/Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

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The one-time NFL MVP has nine children, five with one woman and the rest with others.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.



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Access Denied You don’t have permission to access “http://hindi.gadgets360.com/ai/ai-will-make-millions-to-lose-jobs-in-next-12-to-18-months-us-entrepreneur-andrew-yang-warns-news-11071444” on this server.

Reference #18.84adc17.1771536957.eeb5fe2

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UK to force social media to remove abusive pics in 48 hours • The Register

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UK to force social media to remove abusive pics in 48 hours • The Register

The UK is bracketing “intimate images shared without a victim’s consent” along with terror and child sexual abuse material, and demanding that online platforms remove them within two days.

The government announced today that it would add an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill requiring platforms to “remove this content no more than 48 hours after it is flagged to them.”

Platforms that do not do so would potentially face fines of 10 percent of “qualifying worldwide income” or have their services blocked in the UK.

The amendment follows outrage over the Elon Musk-owned chatbot Grok’s willingness to generate nude or sexualized images of people, mainly women and girls, which forced a climbdown earlier this year.

Under the UK’s proposals, victims would only have to report an abusive image once, and not have to contact multiple platforms or remain constantly vigilant for new uploads.

The government said: “Plans are currently being considered by Ofcom for these kinds of images to be treated with the same severity as child sexual abuse and terrorism content, digitally marking them so that any time someone tries to repost them, they will be automatically taken down.”

It added that creating or sharing non-consensual intimate images will also become a “priority offence” under the Online Safety Act, “meaning this crime is treated with the same seriousness as child abuse or terrorism.”

The government said: “We will publish guidance for internet providers setting out how they should block access to sites hosting this content, targeting rogue websites that may fall outside the reach of the Online Safety Act.”

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said in a statement: “The days of tech firms having a free pass are over. Because of the action we are taking platforms must now find and remove intimate images shared without consent within a maximum of 48 hours.”

X is facing an EU probe, under the Digital Services Act, into Grok’s willingness to produce explicit imagery, including of children.

When the probe was announced last month, X told The Register: “We remain committed to making X a safe platform for everyone and continue to have zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content.”

The UK government’s latest move was welcomed by lawyer Hanna Basha, Dispute Resolution Partner from Payne Hicks Beach, who acted for TV personality Georgia Harrison in her civil revenge pornography case in 2022.

But she added: “Why 48 hours and not 24 or even 12? Every hour these images remain online compounds the harm.”

She also said social media companies should be forced to display clear contact details. “Too often victims cannot even find where to report abusive content. This is a welcome step, but meaningful protection requires faster takedowns and real accountability from platforms.” ®



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World leaders gather in Washington for Donald Trump’s first Board of Peace meeting – US politics live | Trump administration

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Trump’s Board of Peace to gather for first meeting

Good morning and welcome to the US politics live blog. The inaugural meeting of US president Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, his initiative to bring an end to the war in Gaza, begins today with representatives from more than 45 countries expected to attend.

But some major European allies, including the UK, Germany and France, have turned down their invitations, wary of the group’s operations and its potential to rival the UN. There is also no Palestinian representation on the board, while Israel holds a seat.

The summit comes almost three months since the UN security council approved a US-backed ceasefire plan, which included a two-year mandate for the Board of Peace to oversee the demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza. Key issues that remain unresolved include the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli troops in Gaza, the scale of reconstruction and the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

Trump announced ahead of the meeting that board members have pledged $5bn (£3.7bn) for the reconstruction efforts, a fraction of the $70bn (£52bn) needed to rebuild the Palestinian territory that has been devastated by two years of conflict.

The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the agreement. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israeli troops withdrew to positions behind a so-called yellow line, although they remain in control of more than half the territory.

Key events

In Gaza, the charity Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, said it will continue working in the Palestinian territory for as long as possible following an Israeli decision to end its activities there.

Earlier this month, Israel announced it will suspend the charity’s operations in Gaza after the humanitarian organisation refused to hand over personal details of its staff members to Israeli authorities.

A Palestinian family break their first Ramadan fast near the rubble of their home in Gaza City. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

MSF has criticised the move, which takes effect on 1 March, as a “pretext” to obstruct aid.

“For the time being, we are still working in Gaza, and we plan to keep running our operations as long as we can,” Filipe Ribeiro, head of mission for Palestine at MSF, told the AFP news agency.

The Guardian’s community affairs correspondent, Geneva Abdul, spoke to medics in the UK and US who believe they have been denied re-entry to Gaza after speaking out on the conflict. You can read the full report here:

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In preparation to attack Tehran, America surrounded it with F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, Iran issued NOTAM

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In preparation to attack Tehran, America surrounded it with F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, Iran issued NOTAM

In view of the possible attack by America, Iran has implemented NOTAM in the entire country. Due to NOTAM, entire Iran has become a no-fly zone. Iran has issued this NOTAM for rocket tests in the entire country. America has surrounded Iran with its dangerous fighter jets like F-22, F-35. It is being said that America can attack Tehran by the end of this week.

Amidst the fear of war with Iran, the USA has prepared a fleet of fighter jets and aircraft in the Middle East. According to the report of Axios, this action of USA is taking place when there are indications that military action against Iran can be started soon. According to the report, any US military action in Iran is likely to be lengthy, which could last for several weeks and be war-like.

There were protests in Iran due to rising inflation, due to which tension increased. The protests later turned into an anti-government movement led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump had threatened military action on Iran regarding this. America is trying to stop Iran’s nuclear program.

What will be Trump’s next action?

However, it is not yet clear what will be the next step of US President Donald Trump, whether he will order an attack on Iran or not, what will be the consequences if the attack is carried out. Amid tensions with Iran, Trump has expressed his displeasure towards their nuclear program and the Khamenei-led government.

Khamenei had warned

Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei had warned America on February 1, 2026, that if America attacked, it could take the form of war. He said, the Iranian people are not afraid of any threat. He further said that Iran will not take the initiative to attack any country first but if any country attacks, it will be given a befitting reply.

‘Prolific waste criminal’ ordered to pay £1.4m for illegal dumping at 16 sites | UK News

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‘Prolific waste criminal’ ordered to pay £1.4m for illegal dumping at 16 sites | UK News

A “prolific waste criminal” has been ordered to pay £1.4m relating to around 4,275 tonnes of illegally dumped waste across sites in England.

It comes after a nationwide investigation by the Environment Agency (EA) uncovered a network of 16 locations, stretching from the North East to the South East.

Varun Datta, 36, from Belgravia in central London, had been a registered waste broker since 2015, a court heard.

The company boss diverted thousands of tonnes of waste away from a licenced tip to illegal sites across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Lancashire, Kent, Surrey, Rutland and Middlesborough.

Dumping at a Middleton Nature Reserve in Lancashire. Datta also targeted farms and a historic manor house. Pic: EA
Image: Dumping at a Middleton Nature Reserve in Lancashire. Datta also targeted farms and a historic manor house. Pic: EA

Among the sites targeted by Datta were farms, a historic manor house and a nature reserve.

The government has called him a “prolific waste criminal” and it was a “shocking case of illegal waste dumping”.

Datta pleaded guilty in June 2025 to knowingly causing controlled waste to be deposited at 16 sites.

The total weight of the waste – around 4,275 tonnes – was roughly the weight of 600 African elephants.

During his sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court last Friday, Judge Paul Farrar KC said Datta’s offences were “reckless” and forced landowners to “incur substantial costs in removing the illegal waste”.

Datta dumped hundreds of wrapped up bales of rubbish across 16 sites. Pic: EA
Image: Datta dumped hundreds of wrapped up bales of rubbish across 16 sites. Pic: EA

Datta has been ordered to repay the financial benefit of his offending, which stands at £1.1m, as well as £100,000 in compensation and £200,000 in prosecution costs.

He was also handed a four-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, as well as 30 days’ rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Two other men were prosecuted in this case, with one fined and another facing a suspended sentence, rehabilitation and unpaid work. Arrest warrants for two other men remain active.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the dumping was “orchestrated by a group of shameless crooks who thought they could operate above the law”.

“This government is committed to stamping out this type of criminality across the country by boosting funds to tackle waste crime and introducing tougher checks and penalties for those who break the law,” she said.

Read more on Sky News:
Agency has ‘serious questions to answer’
Arrests for illegal waste dumping
Living next to a 25,000-tonne illegal dump

Meanwhile, Emma Viner, enforcement and investigations manager at the EA’s national environmental crime unit, said: “Despite their attempts to conceal their criminality, our in-depth investigation spanning the length and breadth of the country ultimately uncovered those responsible.

“We will never stop fighting to end the scourge of waste crime which scars our environment and communities.”

Sky News has been investigating the scourge of waste crime across the country, including at Britain’s latest large-scale site outside Epping in Essex.



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Former Prince Andrew of the UK has reportedly been arrested and more top headlines

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Former Prince Andrew of the UK has reportedly been arrested and more top headlines

Andrew and King Charles

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Good morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here’s what you need to know to start your day …

TOP 3

1. Former Prince Andrew of the UK has been arrested

2. Trump convenes first ‘Board of Peace’ meeting 

3. Authorities’ next move after no DNA match in Guthrie case

MAJOR HEADLINES

COVERT OPERATION — US secretly airlifted 6,000 ISIS fighters to prevent catastrophic jailbreak. Continue reading …

AVIATION CRISIS — JetBlue flight makes emergency landing after engine failure fills cockpit with smoke. Continue reading …

FEDERAL CRACKDOWN — DOJ cracks down on schools in blue states over gender ideology, race policies. Continue reading …

TRAGIC MISHAP — ‘Pulp Fiction’ star Peter Greene died from accidental gunshot wound to armpit. Continue reading …

SOLEMN WORDS — Family speaks out after trans gunman kills ex-wife, son at hockey game. Continue reading …

—

POLITICS

DIPLOMATIC GAMBLE — Marco Rubio holds secret talks with Raul Castro’s grandson as Cuba ‘close to failing.’ Continue reading …

POWER PROJECTION — World’s largest aircraft carrier steams east as Trump warns Iran over nuclear program. Continue reading …

BATTLEGROUND BRAWL — Democrats finally land candidate to take on incumbent Republican governor in key swing state. Continue reading …

POLICY PIVOT — NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani to resume clearing homeless encampments after pausing policy. Continue reading …

Click here for more cartoons…
 

MEDIA

PRICEY PARADISE — Mamdani’s ‘painful’ tax hike threat mocked for proving ‘socialist utopia is expensive.’ Continue reading …

OUT OF OFFICE — University moves classes online after learning ICE is operating in the same building. Continue reading …

LATE-NIGHT HOAX — FCC chair rips media for promoting claim CBS blocked Colbert-Talarico interview. Continue reading … 

RATTLED HOST — CNN’s Jake Tapper ‘very unhappy’ after network tightens book plugging. Continue reading …

OPINION

HUGH HEWITT – Morning Glory: What will President Donald Trump decide to do with Iran? Continue reading … 

SEN. TUBERVILLE – Bring back the ‘Miracle on Ice’ spirit to Team USA. Continue reading …

—

IN OTHER NEWS

COLORFUL DEFIANCE — Bears’ Caleb Williams explains meanings behind nail polish, says critics won’t stop him. Continue reading …

CROSSING THE LINE — College basketball coach’s postgame tirade yields him one-game suspension. Continue reading …

AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on retro recipes and Olympic origins. Take the quiz here …

STONE SWEETHEARTS — Hidden graffiti at tourist-heavy destination reveals 2,000-year-old love notes. Continue reading …

JUNIOR JAWS — Great white is tracked off Florida coast in winter migration. See video …

 

WATCH

NANCY GRACE — Authorities are looking for any video that could have been ‘taped over’ in Guthrie case. See video …

SEN. TED CRUZ — I hope Iran’s Khamenei has more sense than Maduro. See video …

LISTEN

Tune in as escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran raise fears of military conflict amid stalled nuclear talks, mounting domestic unrest in Tehran. Check it out …

 

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office – live | UK news

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Police open investigation into misconduct in public office

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, Thames Valley Police said.

Here is the statement in full:

As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

The man remains in police custody at this time.

We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: ‘Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

‘It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

‘We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.’

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Key events

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest comes days after Buckingham Palace said it would “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims made against him.

A spokesman for the Palace added that the King had made clear his “profound concern” over Andrew’s alleged conduct.

The King’s brother is effectively no longer a royal, becoming a commoner after he was stripped by the monarch of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year over his association with Epstein.

He does, however, remain in the line of succession – he is eighth in line to the throne, having gradually moved down after being born second in line.

Giuffre family: Mountbatten-Windsor arrest proves ‘no one is above the law’

Virginia Giuffre’s family have this morning said in a statement that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest shows that “no one is above the law”.

Giuffre was one of the most prominent victims of the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein who also alleged she had been sexually trafficked to Prince Andrew.

She took her own life in April 2025, aged 41.

The statement reads:

At last, today our broken hearts have been lifted with the news that no one is above the law – not even royalty.

On behalf of our sister, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police in their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.

Undated handout file screengrab issued by Crime+Investigation of Virginia Giuffre. Photograph: Crime+Investigation/PA

What is misconduct in public office and what is the punishment?

According to the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) website, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

It describes the offence as “a common law offence that can be tried only on indictment” and “concerns serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held”.

Providing its own update on the investigation into Epstein and his associates in the UK, the CPS said:

We are in close contact with the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police regarding high-profile individuals.

We remain ready to support any police investigations if needed.

Meanwhile, Norfolk Constabulary has told BBC News that it is “supporting a Thames Valley Police investigation into misconduct in a public office”.

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Before the arrest was announced, the prime minister told BBC Breakfast “nobody is above the law” when asked about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Keir Starmer added:

Anybody who has any information should testify.

So whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.

Keir Starmer speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning. Photograph: BBC Breakfast

The partial release of the Epstein files by the US government has shifted the focus back to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in recent months.

Last October, amid growing anxiety within the royal household about the reputational risk to the monarchy caused by headlines concerning his friendship with Epstein, Buckingham Palace announced it would strip him of his royal titles.

It was also announced the former duke, who still remains eighth in line to the throne, would move out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor rides a horse in Windsor Great Park, near to Royal Lodge, a property on the estate surrounding Windsor Castle. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
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The anti-monarchy pressure group Republic has welcomed the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, it said in a statement this morning.

Republic’s CEO Graham Smith said the arrest was “likely influenced by Republic’s pursuit of a private prosecution”, which saw it provide Thames Valley Police with a crime report.

Smith said:

Make no mistake, this is a result of Republic’s action. We reported Andrew to the police when others were unwilling to act. Republic has been instigating a private prosecution when the police were reluctant to investigate.

Republic’s lawyers will continue to investigate related alleged offences and provide information to the police over the coming weeks and months.

He added:

The police must follow all evidence wherever it leads.

In the meantime, Charles and William need to speak up and admit to whatever they have known.

A poll carried out by the group earlier this month showed support for the monarchy at 45%, with a third of respondents preferring an elected head of state.

You would have to go as far back as King Charles I to find the last senior member of the British royal family arrested prior to today’s developments.

Charles was arrested in 1647 during the English Civil War by forces aligned with parliament, including the New Model Army.

He was detained and later tried for high treason after refusing to accept limits on royal authority, leading to his execution in 1649.

Andrew’s sister Princess Anne – who is scheduled to visit a prison in Leeds today – was convicted and fined under the Dangerous Dogs Act in 2002 after her dog bit two children. However, she was not arrested in relation to the offence.

Mountbatten-Windsor first senior royal in modern history to be arrested

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.

The police raid follows emails released by the US Department of Justice that appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.

One email, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by Mountbatten-Windsor five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser Amir Patel.

Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to send Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

What we know so far

  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office by police investigating the former prince’s dealings with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

  • Photographs of unmarked police cars and plainclothes officers at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate just after 8am were published on Thursday.

  • A statement from Thames Valley police said: “We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time.”

  • The arrest came as Mountbatten-Windsor celebrated his 66th birthday at home.

  • Police had been assessing allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor – formerly known as Prince Andrew – shared sensitive information with the billionaire child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.

  • Oliver Wright, Thames Valley Police’s assistant chief constable, said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.”

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest was carried out as he was celebrating his 66th birthday.

The arrest came after pictures circulated online appearing to show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside his home.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, looks round as he leaves after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, England, April 20, 2025. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Photos show police raiding Royal Family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk

Here are some of the first pictures that show police arriving at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Wood Farm residence, on the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Police can be seen talking after turning up in unmarked police cars.

Police at Wood farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Photograph: Bav Media
Police raid Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s house. Photograph: Bav Media

Police open investigation into misconduct in public office

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, Thames Valley Police said.

Here is the statement in full:

As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

The man remains in police custody at this time.

We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: ‘Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

‘It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

‘We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.’

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested at Sandringham home

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Photographs of unmarked police cars and plainclothes officers at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate just after 8am were published on Thursday. A statement from Thames Valley police said: “We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

“The man remains in police custody at this time.”

Police have been assessing allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor – formerly known as Prince Andrew – shared sensitive information with the billionaire child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.



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