King Charles Issues Stark Message After Ex-Prince Andrew’s Arrest

Shockwaves rippled through the monarchy on Thursday after Ex-Prince Andrew was arrested at his Norfolk home, prompting an unprecedented public response from King Charles. 

The dramatic early-morning operation unfolded on Andrew’s 66th birthday, placing fresh scrutiny on the embattled royal. 

Within hours, Buckingham Palace released a carefully worded statement from the monarch, who made clear that while the situation is deeply troubling, the legal process must now run its course without interference.

King Charles did not delay in addressing the arrest of his younger brother, Ex-Prince Andrew, issuing a statement at midday through Buckingham Palace. 

The monarch acknowledged he had learned “with the deepest concern” of the development and stressed that proper legal procedures must follow.

“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” the King said per PEOPLE. 

He emphasized that investigators would receive the family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”

In one of the strongest lines of the statement, King Charles declared, “The law must take its course.” 

He also signaled he would not be drawn into further commentary while the investigation unfolds. 

Instead, he assured the public that “my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Sources say the Prince and Princess of Wales support the King’s decision to address the matter publicly, underscoring the gravity of the moment.

Former Prince Andrew was taken into custody following a coordinated police operation at Wood Farm, his residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. 

According to reports, six unmarked vehicles arrived shortly after 8am, with officers in plain clothes seen entering the property. 

A convoy, including royal vehicles linked to Andrew, was photographed leaving less than an hour later.

His arrest was confirmed at 10.08am. Under UK law, he can be held without charge for up to 24 hours, beginning from his arrival at a police station. Authorities have not disclosed where he is being questioned.

In a statement released by the Thames Valley Police spokesman, it was confirmed that the authorities “arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” 

They also added that “The man remains in police custody at this time,” while declining to reveal further details.

Searches are ongoing at addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire, including Royal Lodge in Windsor, where Andrew previously lived for more than two decades before relocating to Wood Farm earlier this month.

The arrest comes after detectives spent days reviewing Ex-Prince Andrew’s conduct during his time as the UK’s trade envoy. 

Emails released in the so-called Epstein files appear to show the disgraced former Duke of York forwarding reports of official visits and investment briefings to Jeffrey Epstein.

Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.” 

He added that it was important to protect the integrity and objectivity of the investigation, acknowledging the “significant public interest in this case.”

Police have previously reviewed allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew. 

There are also claims that confidential information may have been shared during his tenure as a trade envoy. 

He has also faced longstanding accusations from Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was forced into sexual encounters with him.

Despite all these accusations, Andrew has denied any wrongdoing. 

Following the statement from the Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable, Buckingham Palace released a statement, noting that they were to cooperate with the investigation.

“The King has made it clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” the February 9 statement read per PEOPLE.

Buckingham Palace also noted that while the allegations were specifically up to Ex-Prince Andrew to address, they wouldn’t hesitate to show their support if approached by the Thames Valley Police.

“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse," they concluded.

The case has sparked reaction at the highest political levels. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called on anybody with any information to testify.

He reiterated a central principle of the British justice system, saying, “Everybody is equal under the law, and nobody is above the law.”

Meanwhile, multiple police forces including the Metropolitan Police, Surrey Police, and others across the UK are assessing aspects of the Epstein-related files. 

Scotland Yard confirmed it has begun “initial enquiries into these specific allegations” concerning former close protection officers assigned to Andrew, though it has not identified any wrongdoing at this stage.

Surrey Police has also encouraged potential witnesses connected to historical allegations to provide information.