Prince Andrew Arrested in New York on Federal Sex Trafficking Charges

February 19, 2026

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was taken into federal custody this morning in New York City on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, the U.S. Department of Justice announced in a brief statement. The 65-year-old younger brother of King Charles III was arrested at approximately 7:15 a.m. EST outside a private residence on the Upper East Side following a sealed indictment returned by a grand jury in the Southern District of New York.

FBI agents and U.S. Marshals executed the arrest warrant without incident. Prince Andrew was transported to the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Lower Manhattan, where he appeared briefly before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn for initial processing. 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, including the sexual abuse of multiple minors. Prosecutors claim he used his royal status to gain access to victims and that he received payments and other benefits in exchange for his involvement. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment.

Buckingham Palace issued a short 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 against Prince Andrew in 2022 and ongoing pressure from U.S. federal prosecutors who have sought his testimony since Epstein’s 2019 death. In 2024, a federal judge ruled that Prince Andrew could be compelled to testify under a mutual legal assistance treaty between the U.S. and UK.

Legal experts note that the criminal indictment represents a dramatic escalation. “This is no longer about civil liability or reputational damage,” said former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. “These are felony charges backed by a grand jury. The government believes it has strong evidence.”

Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. His legal team issued a statement asserting his innocence and vowing to “vigorously contest” the charges.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the British monarchy and international diplomatic circles. King Charles III is reportedly being briefed by senior advisers, while the Foreign Office has activated consular support protocols for a British national facing serious charges abroad.

Public reaction in the UK has been polarized, with some calling for Prince Andrew’s immediate removal from the line of succession and others expressing sympathy for what they describe as a “witch hunt.” In the United States, the case has reignited debate over accountability for high-profile figures linked to Epstein.

Prince Andrew is due back in federal court next week for a bail review and arraignment. The case is expected to draw intense media scrutiny and could take years to resolve through pre-trial motions, discovery, and potential trial.

The Department of Justice and FBI have asked anyone with information to contact the Southern District tip line or submit tips online. The investigation remains active and ongoing.