Why Ex-Prince Andrew Reportedly Blames Humiliating Arrest Photo On King Charles

Ex-Prince Andrew has reportedly blamed his viral post-arrest photo on King Charles, as he feels it was "no accident."

The former Duke of York came under heavy scrutiny after the release of new Jeffrey Epstein files, which hinted that he may have shared sensitive information with the late sex offender.

King Charles himself has since addressed the arrest of his brother, emphasizing that the palace is ready to cooperate with law enforcement.

According to sources who spoke with British journalist Rob Shuter's #Shuterscoop, Andrew is displeased with the spread of a photo showing him looking mortified at the back of a Range Rover after his release from police custody.

The image, which was taken by Reuters photographer Phil Noble, has since gone viral due to how rattled and distressed he appeared following his arrest.

The former royal was picked up after UK law enforcement officially launched an investigation on suspicion that he may have handed confidential trade information to the late Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy.

Now, a source claims Andrew feels the image was a setup. "He's convinced someone high up knew he'd be there and made sure the press did too," the source noted.

They added, "He thinks Charles sacrificed him to protect the institution. In Andrew's view, the monarchy needed a reckoning moment — and he was it."

However, despite the claim, palace insiders have strongly denied any coordination with the press.

The latest Epstein disclosures have also revived claims that senior royals were aware that more damaging information was likely to come to light.

Sources suggest that King Charles and Prince William may have been briefed by intelligence officials late last year, prompting the decision to remove Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, from Royal Lodge, an action that, at the time, some viewed as excessive.

According to the Daily Mail, an insider revealed that William hinted at this knowledge during a trip to Brazil in November, responding evasively when asked about his uncle and implying he was unable to speak openly due to pending revelations.

Andrew, meanwhile, was seen riding near Royal Lodge earlier in February, amid reports that he had been expected to vacate the property.

The decision followed King Charles's move last year to strip Andrew of his remaining royal titles and honours amid renewed attention on his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Although Andrew is expected to be relocated to a private residence on the Sandringham estate, now under the King's ownership, those close to the situation say his longer-term future remains unresolved.

Royal biographer Robert Jobson has suggested the former Duke of York's removal from royal life could eventually extend beyond Britain altogether.

Speaking after Charles' meeting with Bahrain's ruler, Jobson speculated that the Middle East could offer Andrew a form of refuge.

"The King saw the King of Bahrain the other day," Jobson said, per People Magazine. "One never knows — it could be a place where Andrew gets the recognition of being the second son of Queen Elizabeth, rather than this."

Jobson also noted that such a move would not be without precedent, pointing to Spain's former monarch, Juan Carlos I, who has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2020 after withdrawing from public duties following financial controversies.

Another royal biographer, Andrew Lownie, echoed the view that overseas relocation remains a strong possibility.

 "He doesn't like the sound of being on the Sandringham estate," Lownie said. "I think he wants to go somewhere where he can just get away from everything."

As the royal family remains under scrutiny due to Andrew's ties to Epstein, King Charles has made it clear that they are ready to cooperate with law enforcement amid investigations into his brother's past.

In a statement after Andrew's arrest, Charles said in part, "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 monarch added, "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."

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are said to be struggling to come to terms with the recent wave of revelations linking their parents to Epstein, with sources saying the sisters feel deeply humiliated by what has emerged.

Those close to the princesses claim they are shocked by a series of emails sent by their mother, Sarah Ferguson, to the convicted sex offender, as well as photographs showing their father, Andrew, positioned on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the floor.

According to insiders, Beatrice and Eugenie are said to be particularly upset by the overly familiar tone of their mother's messages, in which Ferguson reportedly praised Epstein, referred to him as a "legend," the "brother she had always wanted," and even joked about marrying him despite his prior conviction for child sex offences. Epstein had previously helped cover some of her financial difficulties.

A source close to the sisters told the Daily Mail that they are "mortified" by what they have read and feel ashamed by the extent of their parents' association with Epstein.

The same source suggested the princesses were not prepared for just how close "their parents were to this appalling man."