Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month; the first time in almost 400 years that a member of the British royal family was detained – and since his arrest both public and family opnion towards him has been mixed
Since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month the former Prince is understood to be upset with public opinion – however perhaps he should look closer to home before worrying about public opinions.
Andrew was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office after police raided his Sandringham home. The ex-prince, 66, was quizzed in custody after unmarked police cars arrived at the King’s estate in Norfolk, where the former prince had been staying.
At least six Thames Valley Police cars swooped on Wood Farm on Andrew’s birthday. The former prince has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing. But Andrew’s arrest is the culmination of months of speculation about his relationship with paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein.
READ MORE: Andrew ‘would arrive late and only talk to young women’ when he was trade envoyREAD MORE: Inside staff changes for disgraced Andrew as Royal servants told how to address him
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Misconduct in public office is a serious offence and carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, but Andrew was released later that day around 7pm with Thames Valley Police confirming he is now officially under investigation.
Although Andrew was released pending further investigation, the arrest has led to further scrutiny of the father of two amid the latest dumping of the Epstein files. Andrew is understood to be upset with public opinion. Andrew Lownie, who is a royal expert, said the former Duke of York still “thinks he’s anointed — that it’s deeply unfair people have turned on him.
“He [Andrew] has been pampered all the way through his life, in this bubble. Status is everything to him — it’s his only sense of identity. They thought they’d be able to operate like this under the radar. They’re clearly up to their necks in exploiting their royal status.”
While King Charles, 77, is said to remain “very fond” of his nieces, royal watchers say the monarchy may gradually place greater distance between the working royal family and the York branch. Prince William, 43, has long been seen as favoring a tougher approach toward his uncle.
“William wants it all cleaned out before he gets [on the throne],” royal biographer Andrew Lownie tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “He wants it dealt with now.”
“They’re caught between a rock and a hard place over loyalty to their parents and their future,” Lownie says.
