Former royal and brother to King Charles Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Prince Andrew) has reportedly been arrested. The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday. This comes after years of scrutiny over Andrew’s relationship with Epstein. Investigators are examining potential misconduct in public office after new documents and claims reignited controversy around his past association with Epstein.
In 2015, U.S. court filings included claims that Andrew had sexual encounters with a woman on three occasions between 1999 and 2002. These incidences happened to be in London, New York, and on Jeffrey Epstein’s private Caribbean island. These reports indicate that the woman, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, was underage at the time these encounters occured. Andrew denies the allegations and says he has never met the woman.
These allegations had already cost him royal duties, titles, and public standing. Now newly surfaced material and ongoing investigations prompted authorities to take another look at his actions and communications from that period.
This makes Prince Andrew the first royal to be arrested in almost 400 years.
“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.”
In a statement by Thames Valley Police
This is still developing and an arrest does not equal conviction. Andrew has (of course) previously denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. Further investigation will determine if any charges will follow the arrest.
Now King Charles has also released a statement telling of his “deepest concern” over the accusations for the former Prince.
