With Andrew’s arrest, the Royal family will be facing their worst crisis in over 90 years

The British monarchy is facing what many are calling its worst crisis in over 90 years, following the arrest of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Friday. King Charles woke up to front-page headlines around the world emblazoned with pictures of his younger brother leaving a police station, marking a truly difficult moment for the 1,000-year-old institution.

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, stemming from his relationship with the late convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to Reuters, the allegations suggest he might have sent confidential government documents to Epstein during his time as a trade envoy. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein, stating he regrets their friendship.

This isn’t the first time the House of Windsor has dealt with scandal. The divorce and death of Princess Diana came with public anger, and Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down from their roles and criticizing the institution from the U.S. definitely made waves. However, a senior royal being under police investigation and arrest is unprecedented. It’s the greatest threat since King Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry U.S. divorcee Wallis Simpson in 1936.

Ah. The problems that come with being in the spotlight

A former senior royal aide, who knows the king well, pointed out that this crisis is particularly bad because the family can’t really control it. They’ve been on the defensive, reacting to information as it emerges, and they still don’t know what else might come out. To try and distance themselves, the royals have already stripped Andrew of all his titles, his mansion, and any public involvement with the family. 

King Charles, who is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, and Queen Camilla have expressed their sympathies to the victims of any abuse. Prince William and his wife Kate have also said they are “deeply concerned” by revelations from the Epstein files. Charles’s blunt public statement after his brother’s arrest, “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” was a clear attempt to create some separation. 

Despite this major setback, the monarchy itself still holds significant public support. While Andrew is incredibly unpopular, with only 3% of Britons viewing him favorably, the other key family members fare much better. Prince William is viewed positively by 77% of the public, and King Charles by 60%. The monarchy, though not as universally popular as it once was and facing challenges with younger generations, 

Still, not everyone is convinced. Graham Smith, head of the campaign group Republic, used the arrest to renew his calls for the monarchy to be abolished. He thinks this is “incredibly bad for the monarchy.” Smith even suggested it would be “game over” for the royals if a police investigation revealed that Charles or William had known more about Andrew’s ties to Epstein and failed to act. There is currently no suggestion that is the case.