'Law must take its course': King Charles after brother Andrew's arrest in Epstein-linked probe

The statement came hours after Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday at the royal family’s Sandringham estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King said in the statement, available with the media.

“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the authorities.”

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” he added. “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

King Charles said it would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation continues, adding that he and his family would “continue in our duty and service.”

Epstein files and past allegations

Details of the current allegations have not been made public. However, Andrew’s arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny following the release of documents linked to Epstein, often referred to as the “Epstein Files”.

These included photographs in which Andrew appears alongside a woman whose face was redacted for privacy.

The US Department of Justice released photographs showing Prince Andrew crouching over the woman. Photo: X

One of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, had accused Andrew of having sex with her when she was 17. Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing.

In 2022, he reached a multi-million-dollar out-of-court settlement with Giuffre, without admitting liability.

The BBC reported that Andrew has not been arrested in connection with the Giuffre allegations. Instead, the arrest is believed to relate to his conduct while serving as a UK trade envoy.

Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, had filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew in New York, which he settled while expressing sympathy for her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking.

British PM reaction

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also responded, underlining the principle of equality before the law.

“Nobody is above the law,” Starmer told the BBC. “Anybody who has information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”

“One of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law, and it is really important that this is applied across the board,” he said.