Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: The alleged involvement of two high-profile individuals in the controversial Epstein Files episode tarnished their reputations on Thursday, when, on his 66th birthday, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew of Britain, was reportedly arrested on suspicion of “misconduct in public office.”
And, Bill Gates skipped his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, hours before the Microsoft co-founder was due to speak, the media reported.
His corporation’s philanthropic arm, the Gates Foundation, said the decision was made after “careful consideration” and “to ensure the focus remains on the (summit’s) key priorities,” but did not elaborate. It said Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India offices, would speak at the summit instead of Gates.
The organization also said that it remained “fully committed” to its work in India to advance “shared health and development goals.”
In the Andrew case, while the police did not confirm the identity of the man, British media reported that the arrest took place at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, where the former prince currently lives after being stripped of his royal titles.
The development came as Andrew faces severe allegations regarding his association with America’s late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, although he has denied any wrongdoing.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk. “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Details of the alleged offense were not made public immediately.
Andrew lost the use of the ‘His Royal Highness’ style, military roles and royal patronages in January 2022 after sexual assault allegations were filed by Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent accusers of Epstein. He denied the claims and reached a settlement. Later, more restrictions followed on his public role. In October 2025, he lost his remaining royal titles and vacated the Royal Lodge under arrangements set by King Charles III.
A large set of documents connected to Epstein, released by the US Department of Justice in early 2026, led to renewed scrutiny by UK police forces.
A BBC The report published last week said emails from 2010 to 2011 suggested that Andrew, while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, shared confidential government briefings, including material relating to Afghan investment opportunities, with Epstein.
In January 2026, a new witness alleged that Epstein arranged for her to travel to the UK in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Andrew at Royal Lodge. Thames Valley Police said it was assessing the trafficking claims. The force later issued the statement relating to Thursday’s arrest.
In India, Bill Gates’s withdrawal comes amid a controversy over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after he was named in new files released by the US Department of Justice in January.
His spokesperson has called the claims in the files “absolutely absurd and completely false,” and the billionaire has said he regretted spending time with Epstein.
Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein’s victims and the appearance of his name in the files does not imply criminal activity of any kind.
His decision to not speak to the summit came after days of uncertainty over whether he would attend the high-profile event.
Gates visited Andhra Pradesh on Monday, where he reportedly discussed initiatives for boosting health, agriculture, education and technology.
Delegates from more than 100 countries, including several world leaders, are attending the event.
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