British authorities have arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the 66-year-old former royal and younger brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking one of the most significant legal developments linked to the latest release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Police confirmed that a 66-year-old man had been taken into custody but did not officially identify him. However, British media widely reported that the individual arrested was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The detention notably occurred on his 66th birthday and is being described as the first major high-profile arrest connected to the newest tranche of Epstein-related files since the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell.
Investigators are examining allegations connected to Mountbatten-Windsor’s decade-long role as a United Kingdom trade envoy. Material contained within the recently released Epstein documents — including email correspondence — reportedly suggests that sensitive or confidential information obtained during official trade visits may have been shared with Epstein. Authorities are also reviewing separate claims emerging from the files, including an allegation that a woman was trafficked to the United Kingdom by Epstein for an encounter involving Mountbatten-Windsor.
His association with Epstein has remained a source of controversy for several years. Mountbatten-Windsor stepped back from public duties in 2019 amid increasing scrutiny over his links to the financier. In October 2025, his princely title was formally removed by King Charles III following continued fallout connected to the scandal.
Among the materials released were photographs showing Mountbatten-Windsor alongside a clothed woman, positioned with his hands around her midsection. Virginia Giuffre had previously accused him of sexual relations with her when she was 17 years old, allegations he has consistently denied. Following renewed public attention sparked by the publication of her memoir, the monarch stripped him of remaining honorary titles and directed him to vacate his royal residence.
Broader names referenced in the Epstein document release: - The newly disclosed Epstein files also contain references to several prominent international figures beyond Mountbatten-Windsor. Documents reportedly mention US President Donald Trump, along with references to business and political leaders including Bill Gates, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, entrepreneur Richard Branson, and Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX.
One section of the files reportedly includes an FBI-compiled list of sexual assault allegations connected to Donald Trump. Many of these entries are described as anonymous submissions or unverified tips, with no confirmation that the claims were substantiated. Separate draft communications attributed to Epstein alleged that Bill Gates engaged in extramarital relationships and claimed Epstein had assisted him in arranging meetings and obtaining drugs; however, there is no indication that these assertions were independently verified.
Email exchanges contained in the files also show Epstein corresponding with Elon Musk, including a November 2012 message discussing travel arrangements to Epstein’s private island. Additional emails suggested that Epstein and Howard Lutnick discussed plans for a lunch meeting on the island in December 2012.
The documents further referenced film producer and New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, indicating that Epstein introduced him to multiple women, and portrayed apparently cordial interactions between Richard Branson and Epstein. Authorities have stressed that the review of the newly released materials remains ongoing, and investigators continue to assess the credibility and legal relevance of the claims contained within the files.
