In a historical precedent, the British Royal Family is experiencing one of its most embarrassing crises in modern history after the arrest of former Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, pending investigation, on suspicion of committing “violations” and “misconduct while performing official duties” related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. In a personal statement, King Charles III was keen to stress that “justice must take its course,” declaring his full solidarity with the judicial authorities.
Published on: 02/19/2026 - 11:37 Last updated: 02/19/2026 - 14:58
The French news agency reported, citing British media, that the police arrested Prince Andrew, brother of the country’s king, on suspicion of committing “violations,” while raids are currently underway in two homes in England believed to be linked to the same case.
Thames Valley Police, where the royal residence (Royal Lodge) is located, where Andrew was residing until recently, confirmed the news of his arrest in a statement. He is the brother of King Charles III.
Police had previously indicated they were "evaluating" information that Andrew leaked potentially confidential information to American financier Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of sexual assault, during his tenure as the UK's special envoy for international trade between 2001 and 2011.
Andrew gave up the title of Duke of York under pressure from his brother, King Charles III, who wanted to turn the page on the scandal that embarrassed the British royal family.
Royal statement
In a rare statement signed in his name, King Charles III of Britain said that he received the news of his brother’s arrest “with the greatest concern,” stressing that what will now follow is the “full, fair and appropriate course” through which this matter will be investigated “in the appropriate manner and by the competent authorities.”
He stressed that these authorities “have our full support and cooperation,” before concluding categorically: “Let me state clearly: justice must take its course,” explaining that he will not make any further comments as long as the judicial proceedings continue.
One of the families of the victims of the alleged sexual assaults revealed by the Jeffrey Epstein file confirmed that Prince Andrew’s relinquishing of his royal title is “proof of the validity” of his alleged victim’s position.
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Speaking to the BBC, the brother of Virginia Giuffre, whom Andrew denies assaulting when she was seventeen years old, said that his late sister “would be very proud” of this development.
He added, "I am happy because this validates Virginia's position in many ways. All the efforts I have made over the years are now achieving some form of justice."
Prince Andrew became a source of great embarrassment to his brother, Charles, after a 2019 television interview in which he defended his friendship with Epstein. In this interview, Andrew confirmed that he broke off his relationship with Epstein in 2010, whom Giuffre accused of sexually exploiting her.
France 24/AFP
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