Not So Royal: How Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Was Treated During His 11 Hours in Custody After Arrest
There were so many questions after the news broke that King Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested. On Feb. 19, authorities went to the former prince’s temporary residence in Sandringham and arrested him on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Many wondered what things would be like for Andrew while he was in custody. Would he receive special treatment since he is still a member of Britain’s royal family, or would he be treated like anyone else brought in and questioned? Well, according to The Sun, it’s the latter.
The publication reported that Andrew was processed like a “common criminal suspect.” Around 9 a.m. local time, he was driven 55 minutes away to the Aylsham police station. He was not handcuffed but read his rights, and upon arrival at the station provided a DNA saliva swab, was fingerprinted, and had his mugshot taken. The disgraced royal was then examined over his mental and physical health before he was interviewed.
Andrew’s two private bodyguards were taken to the police station as well, in a separate vehicle behind him. The former Duke of York was also allowed to make one phone call, just like anyone else, and it is thought that he contacted his attorney.
Retired detective chief inspector Mick Neville believes, “If they banged him up, he would have had his belt or tie taken as routine protection against potential self-harm. But, if facilities allowed, the sensible thing would have been to leave him with his bodyguards in a private room until his lawyer arrived. I doubt whether the police gave him tea in a bone china cup, and the microwaved food in custody centers is virtually inedible. It’s an extraordinary fall from grace.”
Andrew, who has always denied any wrongdoing, was seen leaving the police station later that evening, after about 11 hours in custody.
Neville added: “Every police officer swears an oath of allegiance to the Crown when they are made constables. But here you have police officers arresting a man who is the king’s younger brother — and despite losing his royal title is still eighth in line to the throne … There hasn’t been anything like it since Charles I was beheaded back in 1649.”
Former Met detective chief superintendent Barry Phillips said: “Thames Valley Police have done an old-fashioned job and acted with stealth, speed and surprise … It will be very interesting to see what evidence Thames Valley Police has for arresting Andrew, but they must think it is significant enough.”
Following the arrest, King Charles released a statement that read: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 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.”
