Prince William "Overjoyed" as Prince Andrew Arrested: Royal Family in Crisis
The British royal family is navigating its most serious constitutional crisis in generations after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew — was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Prince William has publicly distanced himself from his uncle, and the monarchy is now described by insiders as being in "survival mode."
Prince Andrew Arrested: What Happened and Why
Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on February 19, 2026, his birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The accusation that led to the arrest is that he shared confidential trade information with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew spent 11 hours in custody before being released without charge but under active investigation. The arrest stems from allegations he shared sensitive trade reports with Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy. It is the first arrest of a senior royal family member in more than 350 years, according to experts.
Prince William Breaks His Silence: "Not in a Calm State"
Prince William attended the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday alongside his wife, the Princess of Wales — their first public appearance since Andrew's arrest. When asked about the film Hamnet, William said: "I need to be in quite a calm state and I'm not at the moment. I will save it."
During Sunday's outing, William, 43, wore a burgundy velvet jacket, while Kate, 44, wore a floor-length pink gown as they walked the red carpet side by side. The appearance was widely read as a deliberate signal of stability from the future king amid the unfolding crisis.
William "Overjoyed" — and Pushing for Full Accountability
Prince William is now "overjoyed" with the arrest of Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Since the controversy came to light, William had wanted Andrew "totally cast out of the royal family." He is especially pleased with his father King Charles' "unprecedented actions" to support the police investigation.
Prince William refuses to protect his uncle, choosing instead to support the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. A British royals expert told Fox News Digital that the future king sees silence as a serious threat to the monarchy and is ready to break the "never complain, never explain" royal tradition.
William and Kate issued a joint statement saying they were "deeply concerned by developments" and that their "thoughts remain focused on the victims." An insider said: "They aren't going to cover for Andrew, or anyone. They are fighting for their futures right now."
King Charles Backs the Police — and Distances From His Brother
King Charles stated he learned "with the deepest concern" of the allegations and pledged his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" with the investigation. "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," Charles said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told Rolling Stone: "It's an indication that Andrew's brother, the king, grasped how serious some of these allegations are. If they're on a life raft after a shipwreck, Charles is not going to dive into the water to save his brother."
Could Andrew Be Removed From the Line of Succession
Following the arrest, the UK government is considering legislation that could remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession once the police investigation concludes. Andrew is currently eighth in line to the throne.
Public polls have plummeted on how the monarchy is handling Andrew's connection to Epstein, and experts say Prince William and Kate Middleton are also concerned the ongoing crisis could further damage King Charles' health. The monarchy, experts agree, is now staking its long-term credibility on demonstrating that no one — including a royal — is above the law.
