Ex-Prince Andrew’s Arrest in U.K. Puts ‘Major Pressure on Americans,’ Says Lawyer (Exclusive)

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor on Thursday, February 19, made a major statement.

The former Prince Andrew was taken into custody in England on his 66th birthday in relation to his connection to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and criminal defense attorney Mark Stephens of renowned U.K. law firm Howard Kennedy LLP exclusively tells Globe the move can impact what happens moving forward in the United States.

“This is going to put major pressure on the Americans to start an investigation that is probably as thorough as the one here [in the U.K.],” says Stephens.

Though Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained his innocence regarding the late financier’s crimes, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing confidential information with Epstein related to his role as a trade envoy.

The Thames Valley Police launched an inquiry into Andrew after it was reported that emails suggest the father of two sent Epstein reports from a tour of Southeast Asia he took in 2010.

Stephens tells Globe that he doesn’t know if U.K. authorities plan to interview witnesses in America, but he thinks they should.

Last year, after King Charles III stripped his brother of his royal titles and honors as damning allegations continued to mount, California congressman Rep. Robert Garcia requested Andrew appear before Congress for an interview about the convicted sex offender, who died by suicide in his jail cell in 2019.

However, Andrew reportedly didn’t respond to the letter, which was signed by 13 members of congress. Congress could not subpoena Andrew since he is a foreign national.

Stephens points out that Andrew’s arrest is “unprecedented,” adding: “It’s the first time that a senior member of the royal family has been arrested in living memory, and it was certainly overdue. There have been investigations, scandals but never any arrest.”

The former prince has since left the Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk after spending approximately 11 hours in custody and was photographed looking shaken in the backseat of a vehicle.

Andrew could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if he were to be found guilty for misconduct in public office. He had long been tied to Epstein, and he has come under fire in recent months amid renewed interest in the files related to the late pedophile.

Charles said Thursday, via a statement issued from Buckingham Palace, that the royal family will cooperate with authorities throughout the process.

“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,” he said, in part.