This has never happened in living memory: a top member of the British Royal Family arrested for passing on state secrets and facing questions surrounding sordid relations with young women.

This morning, the Former Duke of York, Prince Andrew, was arrested concerning his sharing of state information and trade affairs with convicted peodophile Jeffery Epstein.

It is a dark day for the Royal Family, and Andrew Mountbatten has brought shame on it. There is a famous picture with his hands around the waist of a young Virginia Giuffre with whom he is alleged to have had intimate relations. He said it was a fake and he has no recollection of meeting her. That turned out to be a lie, and the picture is real. Giuffre, who committed suicide, did say she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew Mountbatten. 

At a time when the Royal Family is transitioning since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and Charles is establishing his reign, the British monarchy does not need this scandal.

The latest releases from the Epstein files were dammning and revealed Andrew Mountbatten’s connection to Epstein. A photo was released of Andrew on his hands and knees, lecherously bending over a young woman, dishevelled, looking aged—not a good look for a Prince.

It now turns out that Andrew’s wife, Sarah Ferguson, was being financially supported by Epstein for 15 years and begged him to marry her.

The hypergamous nature of some women is well known, but this is on an altogether different level and is a major embarrassment to the Royal Family.

Both the former Duke and Duchess of York were beholden to Jeffery Epstein, and he held a sinister controlling influence over them, which, in effect, was damaging to both Britain and the Royal Family.

Andrew was taken into custody but is unlikely to spend the night in jail. His homes are being searched, and an investigation is ongoing as to whether Epstein sent young women to him at royal residences.

Emails show Andrew sharing confidential information with Epstein while he was a UK Trade Envoy.

A UK Metropolitan Police statement read: “We have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Officers are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time.”

In the UK, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

This arrest is unprecedented in modern times and is humiliating for both Andrew and the Royal Family.

Some have said it will irrevocably damage the Royal Family and speed up the call for republicanism.

That may be a tad dramatic. The Royal Family has survived far worse, seen epochs come and go. King Charles will do a good job, followed by William and Kate. The monarchy is in good hands. Andrew let the side down, but this, too, will pass.

In 2022, Andrew settled a US civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, paying her 12 million pounds, which it is said the sum was settled by Queen Elizabeth, to get her wayward son out of trouble.

Far from adopting the “never explain, never complain” approach, adopted by the Royal Family, King Charles was forthright on the matter and insisted the law must take its course and that the process must be applied to determine accountability. He demonstrated nobility at its best.

His statement read: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Winsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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. 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. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. “