LONDON (AP) — He was reportedly his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite, but the former Prince Andrew has long been a headache for Britain’s royal family.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office in an inquiry stemming from his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He is the first senior British royal in modern history to be detained by police.

He was born a prince in 1960, the second child of the queen and her husband Prince Philip. His elder brother Charles was destined for the throne. Andrew took a tried-and-tested route for younger royal sons: military service.

After 22 years in the Royal Navy, including combat operations as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War, Andrew was named Britain’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001.

The current police investigation stems from that period. It follows documents in recently released Epstein files that suggest Andrew passed on official government documents to the late financier when he was a trade envoy. The former prince has not been charged with a crime. He has long denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links.

Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to step down from the trade role in 2011 amid growing concern about his friendship with Epstein, who had been sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 after pleading guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Once a subject of media fascination for his love life, the man the tabloids dubbed “Randy Andy” became a regular source of headlines because of his money woes and links to questionable characters, including Epstein, the American financier and convicted sex offender.

After Epstein was arrested again in 2019, Andrew gave a disastrous interview to the BBC’s Newsnight program, in which he tried to explain away his contacts with Epstein. It backfired – he was widely criticized for giving unbelievable explanations and for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims.

Amid the backlash, Andrew announced on Nov. 20, 2019, that he was giving up public duties and charity roles “for the foreseeable future.”

In August 2021, one of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, sued Andrew in a New York court, alleging that the prince had sex with her when she was underage. Andrew denied the allegations, but he was stripped of all military affiliations and royal charity work.

Andrew ultimately settled the case for an undisclosed sum. While he didn’t admit wrongdoing, Andrew did acknowledge Giuffre’s suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, aged 41.

That was not the end of the story. After emails emerged last year showing Andrew remained in contact with Epstein longer than he previously claimed, King Charles III stripped his brother of his princely title and other honors and his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Now he is also in police custody.

He remains eighth in line to the British throne.

The pub is set to close this month to undergo a six-figure refurbishment

A pub in Cambridge will close for a month to undergo a six-figure makeover. The Golden Hind on Milton Road will temporarily close to the public on February 22 at 6pm. They plan to reopen the following month.

The investment plans to give the Greene King pub a “new lease of life with significant improvements both inside and out combining the best of a traditional pub welcome with modern day comforts”, according to Greene King.

The country’s leading pub company added: “With a new management team and friendly faces at Golden Hind, there will be something for everyone. Whether it’s popping in for a drink with friends, enjoying a leisurely meal or watching live sporting fixtures or entertainment.”

Customers will also be able to enjoy an enhanced spacious bar and drinking areas as well as sports viewing and live music including karaoke, bands and DJs.

Multiple job opportunities are available as The Golden Hind is currently hiring team members for front and back of house.

Ten fire engines remain at First Stop RMH Vehicle Services this afternoon (February 19) after a fire broke out before midday.

Plumes of grey smoke are continuing to pour from the unit, in the Abraham Retail Park, which has sustained a significant amount of damage to its roof.

The blaze in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Nearby businesses including McDonald’s are understood to have been evacuated and the fire service has issued a warning to residents nearby to stay away from the area and keep doors and windows closed.

According to AA Traffic Maps, motorists on the A688, West Auckland Road, Greenfields Road, Maude Terrace and Watling Road are all facing delays.

Police have now confirmed that a stretch of road, between McDonald’s and Sainsburys has been closed as firefighters battle the flames.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “A road closure has now been put in place between the roundabout at McDonalds and the roundabout at Sainsbury’s.

Smoke pouring from the garage. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Motorists are being advised of poor visibility in the Tindale Retail Park area in Bishop Auckland due to smoke caused by a car fire.

“Emergency services are currently in attendance. Please find an alternative route.”

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service added: “We currently have ten appliances in attendance at a large-scale fire at Tindale Retail Park in Bishop Auckland.

“We ask that businesses and properties in the area keep their doors and windows closed due to the level of smoke and urge people to stay away from the area.

“Motorists who have to travel near the area should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.”

Those who see him on a daily basis at Liverpool describe him as highly competitive with a clear desire to excel.

Szoboszlai is regularly among the first to arrive at training and it’s no surprise he’s high up in terms of the club’s running and physical stats. No Liverpool player has covered more distance this season.

In a recent video on Liverpool‘s channels, Milos Kerkez – who plays with him for club and country – said Szoboszlai would be a 400m runner if he wasn’t a footballer.

“He could jog from Liverpool to Hungary and not get tired,” joked left-back Kerkez.

Szoboszlai is a man determined in his own right, but Salah’s high standards are understood to have a big influence on him. Away from football, the pair enjoy playing backgammon and often hang out together at each other’s houses.

When he was described as “disrespectful” last month by Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane for attempting a backheel in his own box that led to a mistake and goal for the League One side, Szoboszlai spoke up to defend himself.

Privately, manager Arne Slot had a word too.

Szoboszlai’s prime years are ahead of him. He was handed the national team captaincy at 22 and Liverpool view him as a future skipper, just like Gerrard.

With vice-captain Robertson expected to depart this summer and Van Dijk’s deal expiring in 2027, the possibility is certainly there.

Asked if Szoboszlai has the attributes to be a future leader, Slot said: “Yes, but he is still young. He has a lot of attributes already, especially when it comes to leading by example. There is still a step to make in terms of leadership, being vocal and a voice in the dressing room if I compare him to Virgil, which is completely normal.

“Virgil is 34 and has seen [James] Milner, [Jordan] Henderson and these players, so it’s really good for Dominik that he sees Virgil. That would be the next step for him; to be as vocal and as loud as Virgil but that comes with time.

“But for all the other things, he has a lot to become a very influential player for Liverpool and you could call that a leader.”

During his first season at Liverpool which was Jurgen Klopp’s last campaign, Szoboszlai struggled in a game at Luton, and his frustrations summed up when he booted a ball outside the stadium.

By the end of that campaign, he found himself out of the starting line-up. If anything, it was a realisation of what was needed for him to succeed in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai returned later that summer with a point to prove and has been ever-present under Slot since – 2025 was the year he became a husband, father and a Premier League winner.

This term, he has already played more minutes for Liverpool than he did in 2023-24 and only 302 minutes short of matching his tally for the previous campaign.

“Obviously he has been very good [this season],” added Van Dijk. “He’s also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team. It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season.

“But also everything around it, there is still progress to be made and that’s a good thing in my opinion, so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”

When Klopp signed Szoboszlai – who had impressed at Red Bull Salzburg before joining RB Leipzig in 2021 – he said: “This is a signing for our present and also for our future.”

Liverpool will be keen to make sure that remains the case.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at his Wood Farm home in Wolferton this morning

Arrests within the Royal Family are exceptionally rare and usually attract intense public and media attention. Over the centuries, royals have faced everything from minor offences to serious legal challenges, with outcomes ranging from fines to imprisonment.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office this morning (February 19), Thames Valley Police confirmed. Officers arrived at his temporary residence, Wood Farm, in the village of Wolferton, at 8am on Thursday, February 19, the same day the former prince celebrated his 66th birthday.

Police reportedly used both the front and back entrances of the five-bedroom farmhouse, with one plain-clothed officer seen carrying a laptop. Thames Valley Police are investigating claims linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed it is supporting UK police forces to “enable a full and independent assessment of the information released.” The allegations under review include claims that a woman was trafficked to the UK to meet Andrew, and that he may have shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

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This moment represents an unprecedented instance in modern British history of a titled royal being formally arrested by police on suspicion of a criminal offence. Until now, encounters between the modern Royal Family and the law have been far less serious, usually limited to traffic offences or incidents involving pets. One of the most notable cases involved Princess Anne.

In November 2002, the Princess Royal became the first senior royal to receive a criminal record when she appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court over her English bull terrier, Dotty, which had attacked two children in Windsor Great Park. Anne was fined £500, ordered to pay compensation, and required to send her dog for behavioural training to avoid it being put down.

Princess Anne’s legal issues were not limited to Dotty.

She has a long history of speeding offences, including a 2001 fine of £400 and five penalty points for driving 93mph in a 70mph zone in Gloucestershire.

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She had also faced fines in 1977 and a one-month driving ban in 1990.

The need for speed appears to run in the family. Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, was banned from driving for six months in 2020 after accumulating too many points on her licence.

The Olympic equestrian was caught driving 91mph in a 70mph zone near her Cotswolds home.

The additional points pushed her over the strict 12-point limit, resulting in a £666 fine.

For royal arrests with more serious consequences, one must look back centuries.

King Charles I was arrested and tried for treason, ultimately executed in 1649 following the English Civil War.

Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, was arrested, imprisoned in the Tower of London, and executed for treason and adultery in 1536.

Mary, Queen of Scots, spent 19 years in captivity before her execution in 1587.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest is the first in recent memory to involve allegations far beyond minor offences.

Police and the NCA are continuing their investigations into potential links with Epstein, reviewing evidence to ensure a thorough and independent assessment.

Thames Valley Police said it is taking the claims seriously, with work ongoing to establish the full context of the allegations.

Police were seen arriving at Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate today (February 19), where he has been living after moving out of his Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Thames Valley police confirmed in a statement that “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Now, Buckingham Palace has released a statement on behalf of King Charles.

King Charles statement in full as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

The King’s statement is as follows: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.

“Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.

 “Charles R.”

Andrew arrested over ‘misconduct in public office’

Andrew is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, Thames Valley Police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Pictures appear to show unmarked police cars at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside Andrew’s home.

Thames Valley Police previously said the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

Andrew, who marks his 66th birthday today (February 19), has denied any wrongdoing.

Counsel for Fiona Donohoe, Brenda Campbell KC, questioned the officer on why he had no handwritten notes of the incident

A police constable has told the Noah Donohoe inquest that he viewed CCTV footage of a naked youth jumping off his bike and running towards wasteland.

Constable Morrow told a court that he had attended Northwood Road in north Belfast on the night after Noah disappeared in June 2020.

The inquest at Belfast Coroner’s Court into the death of the schoolboy, which is being heard with a jury, is now in its fourth week.

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Noah, a pupil at St Malachy’s College, was 14 when his naked body was found in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast, six days after leaving home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning.

The officer said he was on duty at 11pm on June 22 when he was sent to Northwood Road to make CCTV inquiries. Mr Morrow said he was approached by a resident who said he had footage on his mobile phone from his domestic CCTV.

The constable watched the footage, which he said showed a male cycling up Northwood Road shortly after 6pm on the previous evening.

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He said: “The male appeared to be younger from his stature. However, at no point did I see the male’s face to confirm age.

“I observed that the male had no clothes on and jumped off his bike and ran between houses and the direction of wasteland behind the street.”

Mr Morrow added that he was informed by the resident the footage was around three minutes slow.

He told the court he could not seize the footage at the time as the resident did not know how to download it.

Counsel for Fiona Donohoe, Brenda Campbell KC, questioned the officer on why he had no handwritten notes of the incident.

She also asked him why he did not immediately do a timecheck on the footage.

The officer said he took the resident at his word that the footage was three minutes slow. The officer said he had no further involvement in the inquiries.

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European shares opened lower and Asian shares were mostly higher Thursday after a rally on Wall Street that was led by computer chip giant Nvidia.

Oil prices rose as media reports said the likelihood was rising of U.S. conflict with Iran.

President Donald Trump has been weighing whether to take military action against Iran as his administration surges military resources to the region while holding indirect talks with Tehran over its nuclear program. That is raising concerns that any attack could spiral into a larger conflict in the Middle East.

U.S. benchmark crude oil gained 94 cents to $65.99 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, picked up 98 cents to $71.33.

Germany’s DAX lost 0.5% to 25,157.56, while the CAC 40 in Paris slipped 0.6% to 8,379.90.

Britain’s FTSE 100 gave up 0.4% to 10,647.82.

The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.1% while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average was virtually unchanged.

Markets in Greater China were closed for Lunar New Year holidays, while some others in the region reopened for trading.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 added 0.6% to 57,467.83, while in South Korea, the Kospi jumped 3.1% to 5,677.25 as markets reopened following holidays earlier in the week. Samsung Electronics, the market’s biggest heavyweight, gained 4.9%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.9% to 9,086.20.

Southeast Asian markets surged, with Thailand’s SET up 1.7%. India’s Sensex shed early gains to fall 1.1%.

On Wednesday, the S&P 500 rose 0.6% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3%. The Nasdaq composite gained 0.8%.

Nvidia helped lift the market and climbed 1.6% after Meta Platforms announced a long-term partnership where it will use millions of chips and other equipment from Nvidia for its artificial-intelligence data centers.

“No one deploys AI at Meta’s scale,” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said. Because his company is the most valuable on Wall Street, Nvidia’s stock was the single most powerful force pulling the S&P 500 higher.

That performance demonstrated the upside of AI development for the U.S. stock market. But investors have also focused on the potential downsides recently, which has led to sharp swings in share prices.

Meta’s stock fell as much as 1.7% before recovering and rising 0.6%.

Another worry is that if AI succeeds in creating tools to do complicated tasks more cheaply, it may undercut companies in industries as far flung as software, legal services and trucking logistics. Investors have suddenly and aggressively sold stocks of companies seen as under threat in what analysts have likened to a “shoot first-ask questions later” mentality.

Several profit reports from companies helped to lift stocks Wednesday. They continued what’s been a strong reporting season for the big U.S. companies in the S&P 500.

Outside of earnings reports, Moderna jumped 6.1% after saying regulators at the Food and Drug Administration will review its flu vaccine candidate after earlier refusing to consider it.

Reports on the economy were better than expected, with one saying industrial production improved last month. Another said orders for computers, fabricated metal products and other long-lasting manufactured goods rose more in December than economists had forecast, when not including airplanes and other transportation equipment. A third report said homebuilders broke ground on more new homes in December than anticipated.

Such strong data could encourage the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady.

The Fed has put its cuts to interest rates on hold, but many on Wall Street expect it to resume later this year. The widespread forecast is that will come during the summer, after a new chair is scheduled to step in atop the Fed.

Minutes released Wednesday from the Fed’s last meeting showed many officials want to see inflation fall further before they would support additional interest rate cuts this year.

Lower rates can give a boost to the economy and prices for investments, but that comes at the cost of potentially worsening inflation.

In other dealings early Thursday, the dollar bought 154.80 Japanese yen, down from 154.83 yen. The euro rose to $1.1800 from $1.1782.

The price of gold gained 0.6% while that for silver was up 2.1%.

The price of bitcoin rose 1% to $66,900.

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