Prince Andrew spent his 66th birthday in police custody, with the threat of prison now hanging over him. The disgraced royal is not just dealing with his own legal troubles; he is also pulling down those around him, including the British monarchy itself.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as he is now formally known, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after nearly eleven hours of questioning at Aylsham police station in Norwich. According to Page Six, the arrest took place at his rental home, Wood Farm on Sandringham Estate, where his father Prince Philip spent his final days. He was released under investigation.
The arrest relates to allegations that Andrew shared confidential UK government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Andrew strongly denies any wrongdoing. Misconduct in public office in the UK carries a potential life sentence, though a top barrister said that a full life sentence is “pretty small,” but “certainly, some form of imprisonment is a possibility.”
Andrew’s downfall is casting a long shadow over the entire royal family
His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, are reportedly “in shock” and feel “tarnished by his brush.” There is even a possibility they could lose their titles, though a close friend hopes “it doesn’t come to that.” Eugenie is said to be “very frustrated” at being pulled into her father’s scandal, while Beatrice reportedly remains closer to him. For a full picture of the most troubling things Andrew has done, the list is long and deeply damaging.
Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson has fled the UK for the Middle East and is reportedly “suffering with her mental health.” She could face police questioning if she returns to the UK. King Charles, 77, who has been battling cancer, stated that police have his “wholehearted support and co-operation” in their investigation.
A royal insider believes the only way for the monarchy to truly move on is “if Andrew goes to prison,” hoping for a “honeymoon period” when Prince William becomes King. This could also give Charles an opportunity to slim down the monarchy further, potentially removing titles from Harry, Meghan, Beatrice, and Eugenie. King Charles publicly backing the Andrew investigation marked a significant moment for the royal family.
The evidence against Andrew came from millions of Epstein-related documents released by the US government on January 30. These documents show Andrew allegedly passing on details about royal visits and investment opportunities. On December 24, 2010, he allegedly sent Epstein classified information on gold and uranium investment opportunities in Afghanistan, and reportedly vouched for Epstein; already a convicted sex offender, during a 2010 state visit to the United Arab Emirates.
This is not the first time Andrew’s ties to Epstein caused serious damage. The late Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of his military affiliations and royal patronages in January 2022. The following month, he settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit with Virginia Roberts, who claimed she was forced to sleep with him at age 17, reportedly for around $12 million.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry, living in California, wrote in his 2023 memoir “Spare” about his disbelief that his own security was removed while his uncle kept his. A source said “the institution circled the wagons on Andrew and cast Harry out.” Royal writer Hugo Vickers commented that this matter is “not going to end well,” and it could be months or even years before anything concrete happens.
Published: Feb 24, 2026 12:15 pm