British police have arrested former Prince Andrew over suspected abuse of public office, related to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and past travel to Asia.
Police Investigation
British police arrested former Prince Andrew on Thursday. The arrest of the King’s younger brother stemmed from allegations of abuse of public office. Police did not name the detainee but confirmed a man over 60 from Norfolk was involved. The case concerns his past travels to China and disclosure of confidential information to a close associate of American financier Jeffrey Epstein. Police are searching his residences in Berkshire and Norfolk.
British media published photos of police vehicles at his properties.
Epstein Connection
British police recently announced they were investigating whether there were grounds to open an inquiry into potential breaches of official secrecy by former Prince Andrew. U.S. Department of Justice emails indicated that the brother of King Charles, as the UK’s trade envoy from 2010-2011, may have shared confidential information, including reports from visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, with Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles’ Statement
“With deep concern, I have received the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of abuse of public office. Now a full, fair, and proper process begins, within which this matter will be appropriately examined by the relevant authorities. As I have already stated, they can count on our full and sincere support and cooperation,” King Charles III stated on Thursday. “I will be clear: the law must take its course. As this process unfolds, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to fulfill our duties and serve you all.”
Virginia Giuffre Lawsuit
Former Prince Andrew was a long-time friend of convicted American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted for soliciting and obtaining underage girls for prostitution. One of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, once when she was 17. Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit, settled out of court in February 2022. Andrew paid her an undisclosed sum as part of the agreement but denied wrongdoing. Recent materials from Epstein’s case included a photo showing Andrew kneeling on all fours above a woman on the floor touching her stomach. CBS News noted the files provide no context for the photographs, nor their time or location, and the woman’s identity is unknown.
Stripping of Titles
In late October, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had initiated formal proceedings to strip Prince Andrew of his titles and honors. “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor,” the palace stated. “In my conversation with The King and my immediate and wider family, we concluded that the constant allegations under my name distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. I have decided, as always, to prioritize my duty to family and country. I maintain my decision from five years ago to withdraw from public life,” former Prince Andrew stated in mid-October. “With the consent of His Majesty, I believe I must go a step further. Therefore, I will no longer use my title or the honors granted to me. As I have said before, I strongly deny the allegations against me.”
