Prince Andrew was dubbed ‘Detainee A’ when he was busted by cops at his home in the Royal Sandringham Estate as Norfolk and Thames Valley police descended on February 19
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was given a ‘common’ name by police when they arrested the former prince last month.
Custody staff and detectives used the term ‘Detainee A’ to sidestep allegations of preferential or unfair treatment towards the royal, who was once known as the Earl of Inverness. Andrew was arrested 19 February 2026 on suspicions of misconduct in public office in connection with his ties to convicted paedophile Epstein.
Officers on duty but not involved in the operation were simply informed that a “notable figure” had been arrested as part of Operation Ironville.
Andrew was interrogated at Aylsham police station in Norfolk over suspicions of leaking state secrets to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and was subsequently released.
He was also recognised as Baron Killyleagh and a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter before these honours were revoked by his brother, the King.
A source told the Sun newspaper: “It brings it home doesn’t it? To transition from Prince and Duke and Earl, Baron, Knight – all those grand titles then suddenly you’re Detainee A.
“He must have thought just being plain ‘Andy’ was awful at one point. I don’t suppose he thought it could deteriorate much further.
“Police in Norfolk are fed up that he’s effectively been dumped on them and made their problem.
“The only way left for them to cope with the frustration is through humour – so they all keep joking they have ‘a notable person’ to arrest. They wish he had never left Windsor.”
Emails from the Epstein files seem to indicate that former trade envoy Andrew provided sensitive information to his friend, such as investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday on 19 February, when officers descended on Wood Farm, Sandringham.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
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