Former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on Thursday by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a development that drew a sharply contrasting reaction from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the arrest as “a shame” and “very sad” for the British monarchy.
The arrest, which occurred on Mountbatten-Windsor’s birthday, relates to allegations that he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy in the early 2000s, according to Thames Valley Police. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all allegations of misconduct related to Epstein.
Trump’s comments, made to reporters on Air Force One, lamented the situation as “so bad” for the royal family. He also asserted his own expertise on the matter, stating, “You know I’m the expert in a way because I’ve been totally exonerated. It’s very nice. I can actually speak about it very nicely.”
The arrest follows the release of the “Epstein files” – court documents unsealed in January 2024 – which detailed connections between Epstein and numerous high-profile individuals. In mid-2025, the Trump administration faced criticism for attempting to downplay the significance of the files, with officials claiming a lack of evidence to pursue further investigations into “uncharged third parties.” An FBI memo from that period asserted there wasn’t even evidence to *investigate* such individuals, a position now being questioned in light of Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
The UK’s response stands in contrast to the approach taken in the United States. While Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing regarding his own association with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the arrest of Mountbatten-Windsor has prompted scrutiny of the differing responses from law enforcement on either side of the Atlantic. The Independent noted the British police “actually did something” with the same access to documents available to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Beyond the UK, the fallout from the Epstein files continues to reverberate internationally. Norway’s former prime minister, Thorbjørn Jagland, was recently charged with “aggravated corruption” following an investigation into potential benefits received in connection with his position. These developments suggest a broader re-examination of relationships between Epstein and global elites.
King Charles III has offered a brief statement regarding his brother’s arrest, stating that “the law must take its course.” Mountbatten-Windsor was released from custody following questioning, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police have not specified a timeline for any further action.
