Virginia Giuffre’s family has issued a statement following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, on February 19, 2026. The arrest took place at his Sandringham Estate home on his 66th birthday, under suspicion of misconduct in public office.
This comes after years of controversy surrounding the allegations made by Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual assault, a claim he has consistently denied.
In the statement to CBS News, Giuffre’s family expressed a sense of justice, stating, “At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.
“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
“He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
The family’s words come amid long-standing fight for accountability, especially after Giuffre’s tragic death in 2025, and her public accusations against the prince.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty
A long-standing accusation and settlement
Virginia Giuffre had previously accused Jeffrey Epstein of trafficking her to the Duke of York for sexual purposes when she was underage. Andrew has denied ever meeting Giuffre and even suggested that a widely circulated photo of them together was fake.
Despite these denials, in 2022, Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre, reportedly worth £12 million. However, this settlement did not include any admission of wrongdoing on his part.
The arrest follows years of legal battles, and while many details remain unclear, the timing of the action has drawn attention due to its connection to Giuffre’s accusations.
Police in Thames Valley confirmed that they have arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though they have not named the individual due to legal protocols. Searches are ongoing in both Norfolk and Berkshire, and the investigation continues.
The released images are believed to be of the police. Credit: Peter Nicholls / Getty
Legal and public implications
Thames Valley police have made it clear that they are taking this investigation seriously. “We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance,” the force stated, acknowledging the heightened public interest in the case. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation as it progresses.
While this investigation develops, it remains a topic of widespread attention, with both legal experts and the public eagerly awaiting updates. The arrest has drawn significant media coverage, especially due to Andrew’s royal background and the ongoing scandal tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
As the case unfolds, it will likely continue to raise questions about accountability, justice, and the legal rights of public figures.