Prince Andrew Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges
Published Date: 19th Feb, 2026
February 19, 2026
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was arrested this morning in New York City on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 65-year-old son of Queen Elizabeth II and younger brother of King Charles III was taken into custody at approximately 7:15 a.m. EST outside a private residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
FBI agents and U.S. Marshals executed the arrest warrant without resistance. Prince Andrew was transported to the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Lower Manhattan for initial processing before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. He was released on $12 million bail secured by property in the United Kingdom and ordered to surrender his passport and remain in the United States pending trial.
The indictment, unsealed this afternoon, alleges that between 2001 and 2007 Prince Andrew knowingly participated in a sex trafficking conspiracy orchestrated by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Prosecutors claim he used his royal status to gain access to victims and received payments and other benefits in exchange for his involvement. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement: “The Duke of York is aware of the allegations and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities. This is a matter for the U.S. legal process.” King Charles III has not commented publicly.
The arrest follows years of civil litigation, including Virginia Giuffre’s settled lawsuit in 2022, and repeated demands from U.S. prosecutors for Prince Andrew’s testimony. In 2024 a federal judge ruled he could be compelled to testify under the U.S.-UK mutual legal assistance treaty.
Legal experts view the criminal indictment as a dramatic escalation. “This is no longer about civil settlements or reputation,” said former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. “These are felony charges backed by a grand jury. The government believes it has compelling evidence.”
Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. His legal team released a statement asserting his innocence and vowing to “vigorously contest” the charges.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the British monarchy and diplomatic circles. The Foreign Office has activated consular support protocols for a British national facing serious charges abroad. The King is reportedly receiving briefings from senior advisers.
Public reaction in the UK is deeply divided, with some calling for Prince Andrew’s immediate removal from the line of succession and others viewing the case as politically motivated. In the United States the arrest has reignited debate over accountability for high-profile figures linked to Epstein.
Prince Andrew is scheduled to return to federal court next week for a bail review and formal arraignment. The case is expected to take years to resolve through pre-trial motions, discovery, and a potential trial.
The Department of Justice and FBI urge anyone with information to contact the Southern District tip line or submit tips online. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Date: 19th Feb, 2026
