What the arrest of former Prince Andrew can teach us about power and abuse

Vox

February 19, 2026

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The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, marks a historic moment in the UK as it is unprecedented for authorities to detain a sibling of a reigning monarch. The former Prince Andrew was detained over allegations that he shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. This development comes amid the release of Epstein’s files, which reportedly show Andrew forwarding sensitive emails while serving as a British trade envoy. The arrest underscores the shifting dynamics of power within the royal family and highlights the growing public demand for accountability among those who have long enjoyed immunity from the law. The story begins with Queen Elizabeth II’s strong support for her son despite repeated scandals, including sexual assault accusations from Virginia Giuffre. In 2015, Giuffre claimed Andrew assaulted her when she was 17, providing a photo as evidence. The queen reportedly believed Andrew’s denial and even decorated him with one of her highest honors. However, the mounting #MeToo movement brought new scrutiny to Andrew, particularly after his infamous 2019 BBC interview where he awkwardly tried to explain his absence during an alleged encounter with Ghislaine Maxwell. Public backlash forced him to step down from public duties, but his mother continued to shield him. Following Queen Elizabeth’s death in 2022, King Charles took a different approach, stripping Andrew of his royal titles and relocating him to a lesser-known cottage at Sandringham estate. This decision aligns with Charles’ broader vision to streamline the monarchy by reducing its sprawling public image and focusing on fewer, more prominent royals. The latest legal troubles, including Andrew’s alleged betrayal of state secrets to Epstein, suggest that even with royal connections, those who lose their political relevance become increasingly vulnerable to justice. The case also raises questions about the enduring influence of Epstein’s network of wealthy and powerful associates. While some, like Andrew, may fall out of favor, others

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Originally published on Vox on 2/19/2026