Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sues police over Epstein-related arrest

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched legal action against Thames Valley Police, asking a U.K. judge to decide whether his February arrest was lawful, British outlets Politico and the Telegraph reported. The arrest related to allegations that he provided confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein; U.S. Justice Department files published earlier this year reportedly show him sharing such material while he was the U.K.'s special representative for international trade and investment.

Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, was taken into custody by Thames Valley officers and questioned for roughly 12 hours before being released; police said at the time he remained under investigation. His detention marked an uncommon step for a member of the royal family — he was reported to be the first British royal arrested in nearly 400 years.

The broader Epstein probe has been complicated by evidence access: U.K. investigators have reportedly sought an unredacted version of the DOJ files, but the Justice Department has so far declined to hand them over, according to reports. A private hearing at the High Court of Justice in London is scheduled this week to consider whether certain documents connected to Mountbatten-Windsor's challenge should be released.

Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied Virginia Giuffre's allegations that he assaulted her; he settled a civil suit she brought against him in 2022. Giuffre, who had accused Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell of trafficking her to Mountbatten-Windsor, died by suicide in April 2025. In October 2025, following the release of files to House lawmakers that included details about his ties to Epstein, the king removed Mountbatten-Windsor's royal titles.