By Leo Ward
Former Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday 19th of February with suspicion of misconduct, following newly released information of the relation of the former prince and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The arrest has proved to be a essential stamp in history as one of the first family members of the crown to face criminal accusations and be held in custody.
Image by Peggy_marco, Pixabay
The arrest follows Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s extreme fall from the royal family, with the former princes’ titles stripped by his brother, his majesty King Charles III. The King showed deep concern and no family bias, “stating the law must take its course”.
The arrest centres around the allegation that while Andrew was a UL trade envoy in 2010, he shared confidential documents with Epstein. The latest U.S release shows the former prince forwarding Epstein a report from his special adviser about his visit to southeast Asia, however Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has made no comment on the latest batch of files released by the U.S.
Early on the morning of the 19th of February, photographers had captured alleged unmarked police cars at the Sandringham estate, the new residence of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Police were dressed in plain clothing, gathering on the former princes 66th birthday.
Police said in a statement that they had assisted the Thames Valley police in the investigation of a “misconduct in a public office” offence.
But journalist Monique El-Faizy, who has reported widely on the #MeToo movement, said: “There was always going to be more to this story; there had to be. Because – sadly – there are generally few consequences for powerful men who commit sex crimes.
“I had a hard time believing that allegedly raping minors was enough to prompt Charles to strip Andrew of his title. And, indeed, it seems Andrew committed misdeeds far more troublesome to the Crown than pedophilia.
“What does that say about how we value women?”
A royal statement
King Charles III has made a statement directly to the public following the arrest of his brother:
“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. Charles R.”
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Before the arrest was made public, Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated to BBC Breakfast “nobody is above the law” when asked about Andrew. He continued to say anyone with information should testify.
Two men who wish to remain anonymous, have said that people make mistakes and that Prince Andrew has already had his titled striped and should not be arrested. They also believe it is unfair to make the arrest with the current amount of evidence.
This upcoming Wednesday, the Met have said they will investigate allegations that Andrew’s protection officers had turned a ‘blind eye’ to his visits to Epstein’s island, Little St James.
Local residents: Nobody is above the law
The arrest of the former prince has created much hope for the citizens of London. The arrest symbolises that the royal family can face punishment and are not above the law as well as politicians, making England feel less corrupt, say people on the streets.
Rose, a 19-year-old student, said: “I hope he gets the punishment he deserves, the nicest way I can put that” and believe “they took their time” with the arrest of Andrew.
Some Islington residents were surprised about the arrest, saying they did not believe that he could be arrested.
Alicia, a 25-year-old resident of Islington said, “So you’re telling me Prince Andrew is actually in a prison cell?” She added that the arrest “was the right step” but said it entirely matters on the sentence that he receives and that proper punishment is given to him.
She added: “What will happen to Trump? Now I’m more interested in Trump.”
Andrew can be help up to 96 hours however this will require extensions granted by senior police officers and the magistrate’s court.
Police commentator, Danny shaw has told the BBC “Andrew will be placed in “a cell in a custody suite” with just “a bed and a toilet,” where he will wait until his police interview”.
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