London awoke Tuesday to another jolt of royal turbulence, as police confirmed the arrest of a member of the Royal Family and an active investigation into alleged wrongdoing—an announcement that quickly drew a public response from King Charles III and prompted private backing from the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—formerly known as Prince Andrew—was taken into custody in the United Kingdom on Feb. 19, which also marked his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities said officers also searched his home as part of the inquiry.
In a statement issued within hours of the detention, King Charles said he had been informed of the development and emphasized that the matter now sits with investigators. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Charles said in the statement. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
Charles added that he and Queen Camilla would cooperate with officials, pointing back to earlier comments from the palace about the family’s posture toward the case. He said the family would provide their “full and wholehearted support and cooperation” to the authorities. The King also indicated he would not be expanding on the issue while the inquiry proceeds. “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter,” the 77-year-old continued. “Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are aligned with the King’s approach, according to information obtained by E! News. The outlet reported that the couple fully support the statement Charles released following the arrest.
Police did not publicly identify Andrew by name in their initial confirmation, but said a royal family member was arrested shortly after 8 a.m. local time on Feb. 19 after what they described as an evaluation of the allegation. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said investigators have formally launched a case. “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Wright said in a release. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense.”
Wright acknowledged the intense attention surrounding the matter and said updates would come later. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
The arrest comes after years of reputational damage tied to Andrew’s relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Andrew withdrew from royal duties in 2019, and his royal title was removed last year, according to the source material. Neither Andrew nor members of his immediate family have offered public comment on Tuesday’s development. The group includes his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Charles and Camilla have separately sought to underscore their support for victims of abuse. In a palace statement dated Feb. 9, the couple said, “Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
