King Charles Supports Former Prince Andrew's Arrest

Prince Andrew wears a suit and stands behind King Charles — (Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at The King's Sandringham estate on Thursday, February 19—his 66th birthday. The former Duke of York has been accused of shared confidential government information with the late Jeffrey Epstein when he was working as a trade envoy for the U.K.

Per the BBC, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and "neither King Charles nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance" of the arrest. However, The King released a statement expressing his "full" support.

"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," The King stated. "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."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor standing along a wall at St George's Chapel — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested.

King Charles and Prince Andrew wearing dark suits, ties and serious expressions — King Charles has expressed his support for the investigation.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation," his statement continued. "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."

On February 9, the BBC reported that police were looking into a new batch of emails between the former Duke of York and Epstein. The messages reportedly show that Andrew shared confidential documents with the late sex offender related to his work as a trade envoy promoting British business interests abroad.

Andrew has continuously denied any wrongdoing regarding his association with Epstein over the years.

King Charles concluded his statement by stating, "As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."

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Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.