Royal Family Secretly Hopes Ex-Prince Andrew Gets Jail Time, Palace Insiders Claim
By Favour Adegoke on February 24, 2026 at 9:30 PM EST
Amid former Prince Andrew's troubles with the law, sources have revealed that there's a quiet hope behind palace walls for him to go to jail.
The disgraced royal was recently arrested and released, after law enforcement launched an investigation on suspicions he shared sensitive information with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, when he was part of the U.K. government's trade envoy.
After Andrew's arrest on his 66th birthday, his brother, King Charles, released a statement on the situation, stressing the palace's willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.
Palace Sources Believe Andrew Going To Jail Has Its Advantages For The Royal Family
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's troubles seem to have left those closest to him tired and ready to throw in the towel in order to protect the monarchy.
Following his shocking arrest on February 19, sources note that there's a quiet hope among palace insiders that he goes to jail, as many believe it'll help bring an end to the decades-long nightmare he has caused the royal family.
The arrest, which took place on Andrew's birthday, became the first time in modern British history that an immediate member of the royal family has been detained by the police.
It came amid renewed scrutiny that followed the recent release of the Epstein files, which include emails hinting that Andrew may have shared confidential trade information with the late Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy.
"If Andrew walks, he'll feel vindicated and untouchable," an insider told Rob Shuter's #Shuterscoop. "That makes him more emboldened, more reckless, and far more dangerous to the institution."
"Prison contains the chaos," another source shared. "It forces a hard stop. The family can regroup without constantly bracing for the next humiliation."
The Former Duke's Possible Jail Time Could Be Beneficial For King Charles
According to the report, people inside the palace quietly believe jail time for Andrew will do a lot of good for the royal family and would give King Charles some leverage.
The royal family recently took a hit to its public image, as many critics speculated on social media that there must have been an "institutional cover-up" to protect the embattled royal.
"This gives the King cover to finish the slimming-down he's always wanted," says another insider. "In crisis, reform suddenly becomes very easy to sell."
Investigations are still on concerning the situation, but if Andrew is convicted, he could face life in prison.
Ex-Prince Andrew Protested His Evictions From Royal Lodge, Saying He's The 'Queen's Son'
King Charles has since evicted the former Duke of York from the royal lodge for a new space in His Majesty's Sandringham estate, where he was picked up by law enforcement.
Reports claim he made a desperate plea in a bid to contest the arrest, telling cops that he's "the queen's son."
"He refused to leave or take any responsibility," an insider said, per reports.
They added, "When he was told to get out, he was so arrogant and deluded he repeatedly shouted, 'But I'm the Queen's second son, you can't do this to me.'"
Insiders Were Stunned That The Andrew Allegedly Used The Queen's Name 'In His Defense' While Being Evicted
Speaking more about Andrew's eviction, the insider revealed that the former prince may not yet have grasped how bad things are for him due to the scandalous Epstein files.
The source noted, "It is extraordinary he chose to use the Queen's name in his defense. No one is quite sure if the reality of his dire situation has hit home even yet."
According to the reports, another insider explained that tensions filled the air as Andrew made it clear he "didn't want to leave" Royal Lodge.
It comes amid speculation that the embattled royal may consider exile or relocate to a different country in the Middle East.
King Charles Says The Royal Family Is Ready To Cooperate
Meanwhile, Andrew has faced more accusations since he was arrested. According to reports, questions have been raised as to whether he used his police protection during his visit to Epstein.
All eyes continue to be on the royal family and King Charles, who previously shared "his deepest concern" for the victims.
The monarch, who is currently battling cancer, and his son Prince William, are understood to be at an impasse over the best way to treat Andrew's issue, as the king favors a more calm setting while the Prince of Wales wants his uncle to face justice.
In a statement after his brother's arrest, Charles noted, "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 continued, "In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."
