Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in a development that has prompted an emotional response from the family of Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent accusers linked to Andrew’s connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The family of Virginia Giuffre said they felt a sense of relief after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. In a statement released Thursday, Giuffre’s siblings thanked British Police and said the arrest showed that status offered no immunity from the law.
“At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” they said.
“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.”
“He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
SEXUAL ABUSE CLAIMS
Giuffre, an American survivor who became one of the most prominent accusers in the Epstein scandal, died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41. She had alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Andrew when she was a teenager, claims he consistently denied.
Giuffre’s accusations formed the basis of a civil lawsuit filed in New York in 2021, in which she alleged she was forced into sexual encounters with Andrew on multiple occasions when she was 17. Andrew denied the allegations but settled the case in 2022 without admitting liability, in a multimillion-dollar agreement.
The claims, and Andrew’s link with Epstein, had already led to his removal royal status. The latest arrest — on suspicion of misconduct in public office — is tied instead to allegations that, during his time as a UK trade envoy, he shared confidential information with Epstein.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest followed a review of material contained in recently released Epstein files by the US Department of Justice.
Giuffre’s former attorney, Sigrid McCawley, said the development reflected Giuffre’s years of advocacy. “Virginia Giuffre worked for years to shine a light on the crimes being committed by Epstein and his co-conspirators and to send the message that no one should be above the law and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor today is a step toward that accountability,” she said as quoted by CBS News.
ALLEGATIONS THAT LED TO ANDREW’S DOWNFALL
Giuffre had spoken openly about her experiences for more than a decade and shared them in her memoir Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice, which was published after her death.
Her allegations played a key role in exposing Epstein’s network, which later led to criminal charges against associates including Ghislaine Maxwell and civil cases in several countries.
Andrew’s arrest has intensified scrutiny of his past conduct. King Charles III has stated that “the law must take its course.”
In a statement issued Thursday, the monarch said he had learned of the development “with the deepest concern” and stressed that the matter should proceed through the proper legal process without interference.
“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.
With inputs from agencies
