Prince Andrew arrested in connection with Epstein scandal, marking first royal custody in modern era
The former prince's arrest on misconduct in public office charges represents an unprecedented moment for the British monarchy in recent history.
8 hrs ago
Prince Andrew has been taken into police custody following the Epstein Files scandal, marking the first time in the modern era that a senior member of the British Royal Family has been formally arrested, according to Italian news reports.
The arrest represents a significant departure from recent royal legal history. The last serious legal matter involving a member of the Royal Family occurred in 2002, when Princess Anne was convicted under the Dangerous Dogs Act after her English bull terrier, Dotty, attacked two children in Windsor Great Park. Princess Anne pleaded guilty at Slough Court, was fined 500 pounds, and was ordered to pay compensation and arrange training for the dog. That case made her the first member of the current Royal Family to be convicted of a criminal offense in over three centuries.
Andrew faces charges of misconduct in public office. According to legal experts, the charge carries particular institutional weight because it relates to his period serving as a commercial envoy for the British government. The misconduct allegation centers on potential abuse of that public function rather than solely on reputational damage from association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Marco Ubezio, a lawyer and expert on the British monarchy, noted that the case involves access to classified information and sensitive economic dossiers related to Libya, Russia, and strategic relationships. If such information was used for private interests, the matter becomes an institutional concern for the Crown, Ubezio stated.
The distinction between this case and Princess Anne's 2002 conviction is significant. While Princess Anne's legal matter involved animal liability regulations and resulted in a fine without arrest or custody, Andrew's arrest represents formal police custody for allegations of serious criminal conduct. No high-ranking member of the contemporary Royal Family had previously been placed in police custody on such charges.
The arrest follows years of controversy surrounding Andrew's association with Epstein, which had already caused substantial reputational damage to the monarchy. However, legal observers emphasize that the current charges extend beyond the Epstein connection to encompass potential misuse of government office and access to sensitive state information.