The Harsh Reality Of Ex-Prince Andrew's Future As U.K. Is Taking Epstein Charges 'More Seriously' Than U.S.

Ex-Prince Andrew’s tarot cards appear to be reading doom! 

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s woes have skyrocketed from plaguing controversies to a police arrest and investigation. He was detained on February 19 at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released. 

Allegations claim Andrew shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the U.K.'s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

Now, legal analysts are weighing the repercussions Andrew would face for his actions. 

Attorney James J. Sexton detailed the potential consequences of Andrew’s alleged misconduct under U.K. criminal law, and it’s not looking good. 

"The U.K. legal system and the U.S. legal system are quite different in terms of burden of proof and even procedure,” Sexton told US Weekly. "But I don't think anybody today wishes they were Prince Andrew.” 

He described the case as "a very difficult one," stressing that British authorities appear to be treating the allegations with heightened seriousness.

“This is a situation where England and the U.K. are essentially taking the [Jeffrey] Epstein charges, one might argue, a little more seriously than the United States,” Sexton explained. 

If convicted, the disgraced royal could face life behind bars. Sexton noted that although Andrew has already been out of favor with the royal family for years, his current position is the “most damning pool of evidence that's ever been provided against him.”

The attorney continued, pointing out that Andrew’s matter is not one any defense would easily pick up as the prosecution already has the upper hand. 

As legal analysts weigh Andrew’s future, sources say palace insiders are secretly hoping he is jailed if it means protecting the monarchy.

While the jail time would rid the brood of the consistent scandals that have followed the 66-year-old, another source said it would also send a powerful message to him. 

"If Andrew walks, he'll feel vindicated and untouchable," the insider told Rob Shuter's #Shuterscoop, per The Blast. "That makes him more emboldened, more reckless, and far more dangerous to the institution."

Additionally, incarceration would give King Charles leverage, as there have been talks of an “institutional cover-up” to protect his younger brother. 

"This gives the King cover to finish the slimming-down he's always wanted," one source shared. "In crisis, reform suddenly becomes very easy to sell."

While palace insiders are alleged to now quietly want Andrew’s imprisonment, Prince William is said to have advocated for Andrew’s removal from the royal family since 2019. 

As The Blast reported, royal commentator Russell Myers revealed that William's desire to have his uncle “banished” intensified after his explosive BBC “Newsnight” interview in 2019 about Epstein’s victim Virginia Giuffre. 

In the interview, hosted by Emily Maitlis, Andrew defended his friendship with the convicted sex offender and failed to acknowledge the suffering of Epstein’s victims.

Myers explained that William was deeply disturbed by his uncle's lack of accountability and told both his father and the late Queen Elizabeth II that Andrew had to leave the fold. 

Following Andrew’s detention, past Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu offered insight into the decision during an interview with Sky News' Gareth Barlow. 

Per The Blast, Babu emphasized that police do not ordinarily need to arrest someone under investigation. Typically, investigators might request a statement or invite the individual to attend a voluntary interview. 

Babu explained that the fact that the former senior royal was arrested suggests that authorities may have uncovered more serious evidence.

Amid Andrew's alleged legal fate, his family is said to have shunned him, and the only person at his side is his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

According to The Blast, insiders say the estranged couple is “very much in survival mode,” and are supporting each other.

Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have also distanced themselves from their parents, feeling “horrified, devastated, and in total shock” over the recent developments. 

As for whether there would be any redemption for the pair, the source noted their reputation has been damaged beyond repair and “there is no return to royal life” for them.