What’s Next for the Royal Family After Andrew’s Arrest? Experts Weigh In

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest will likely affect members of the British royal family.

Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Thames Valley law enforcement further claimed to the BBC that they were investigating whether Andrew shared confidential material with the late Jeffrey Epstein when he served as U.K. trade envoy. Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles in October 2025, has not publicly addressed the accusations. He was released from police custody hours after his arrest.

Keep scrolling to see how Andrew’s arrest could affect the royal family:

King Charles III Releases a Statement

Prince William, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and King Charles III at Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021. Leon Neal/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s brother King Charles III released a statement within hours of the arrest.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Charles said. “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 cooperation.”

He concluded, “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.”

Us Weekly subsequently learned that Charles’ son Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, fully supported the king’s message and didn’t plan to release a statement of their own.

Royal expert Gareth Russell later told Us that Charles’ statement was “unprecedented” and “completely unambiguous” about his position.

“He was explicitly clear,” Russell stated. “You could also most hear him speaking out against social media speculation — that he supported the police, he would not interfere and that the law must have its way.”

Fellow expert Christopher Andersen claimed to Us that Charles was not given advance warning about Andrew’s arrest.

“King Charles was not told the arrest was to take place and was as shocked by the news as the rest of us,” Andersen said. “At the same time, Charles III knows better than anyone that merely sticking his brother out of sight at the royal Sandringham estate wasn’t enough to silence those who want the rich and powerful men who participated in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring to at long last be held accountable.”

Andrew has vehemently denied any allegations of sexual misconduct.

‘An Embarrassment’

“On the one hand, it’s an embarrassment for them,” royal expert Gareth Russell told Us. “It’s vindication that Queen Camilla and Prince William were correct when they felt harsher action should have been taken against Andrew earlier.”

King Charles III didn’t formally start legal proceedings to strip his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s titles until October 2025. He was first accused of sexual misconduct in 2019, one year before stepping back from his duties as a senior working royal.

Why Was Prince Andrew Arrested? Charges Explained, Royal Family's Reaction

The Line of Succession

According to expert Gareth Russell, it is possible that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be ousted from the line of succession if convicted. (Andrew is currently eighth in line for the throne.)

“It’s completely untrue that you can’t be removed from the succession,” Russell told Us. “There are laws going back centuries that allow Parliament to do that — the first time they did it was in 1326 and 1327. They also did it in the early 20th century, so there’s no reason that it couldn’t be done again.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Arrest Affects the Future of the Government

“More than the fate of the U.K.’s current government is at stake,” Christopher Andersen told Us. “The monarchy depends on the trust, goodwill and, frankly, the affection of the British people. The Epstein case, and in particular Andrew’s involvement in it, have really stretched that bond to the breaking point. Andrew is more than an embarrassment.”

According to Andersen, other members of the royal family believe that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is “toxic.”

“It’s clear from the king’s strong statement supporting the police investigation that the royal family wants to distance itself as far as possible from Epstein,” Andersen said.

How Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Daughters Will be Affected

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shares two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

“It is incredibly unlikely that Andrew’s daughters will be stripped of their titles,” Gareth Russell told Us. “They have done nothing wrong, and their position as princesses comes as much from who their grandmother was. I think any decision that looked as if it was punishing them for their father’s actions would be very unpopular.”

Neither of the princesses have publicly addressed their father’s scandal.