In an unprecedented development, British authorities arrested Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, on Thursday, as part of an investigation related to Jeffrey Epstein, whose affairs have sparked a global scandal over recent years.
The arrest took place on the very day of Prince Andrew’s 66th birthday. According to local media, police vehicles went early in the morning to his residence in Sandringham, Norfolk County. Times Valley Police announced that they had detained “a man in his sixties from Norfolk, suspected of an offense in the exercise of his public functions,” without disclosing his identity.
In an official statement, the police specified that the suspect “remains in custody,” adding that searches are underway in several locations, including the counties of Norfolk and Berkshire, in order to “preserve the integrity and objectivity of the investigations,” according to Oliver Wright, deputy chief of police.
This arrest is part of allegations concerning actions by Prince Andrew while he held the position of UK trade envoy, with particular attention paid to his official responsibilities during that period, in the context of investigations linked to Epstein.
The fact that Prince Andrew has been arrested represents a historic precedent for the British royal family, which had already limited his official duties following previous scandals, notably by stripping him of his titles and preventing him from representing the royal family at public events.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed that “no one is above the law,” emphasizing the significance of this measure and the clear message that even members of the royal family are not exempt from accountability.
These events come as Prince Andrew’s role in the Epstein case continues to be examined closely, in a context of growing public distrust toward the royal institution. Recent surveys reveal a decline in popular support for the British monarchy, raising questions about the future of the royal family and the possibility that other countries may consider similar measures regarding the accountability of their royal figures in the exercise of official duties.
