What Are the Charges Against Former Prince Andrew? None Involve Sexual Misconduct

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The arrest of former Prince Andrew at his home in England has stunned the public, largely because it is widely assumed to be connected to the Epstein files. While the investigation did originate from material linked to those records, the charges against him do not involve sexual misconduct.

Although his name is mentioned thousands of times in emails, letters, texts and photos, part of the publication of the investigation in the United States 10 years ago against the late businessman Jeffrey Epstein, with clear references to prostitution and even sexual abuse of minors, his arrest has nothing to do with that.

According to The Guardian, British authorities arrested him on suspicion of "misconduct by a sitting public official." In other words, it was for crimes related to his former position, which clearly explains why his older brother, King Charles III, decided to strip him of his princely title, which had provided him with legal protection.

The charges against him stem from the revelation that Andrew allegedly shared state secrets, in the commercial sphere, with Epstein.

How long could Andrew spend in jail?

If found guilty, the brother of Charles III and uncle of the future King William could spend the rest of his life behind bars. The charge against him carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Ironically, and perhaps deliberately, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at Sandringham, one of his brother's homes and a favorite residence of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. This Thursday, February 19th, is also his birthday.

The big question now is whether he will remain in custody while the proceedings unfold. At the time of this publication, British police had not revealed his whereabouts. It also remains to be seen whether the investigation will end with him, or if it will extend to other members of his family.

His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson also appears repeatedly in Epstein's files, including messages asking him for money. His daughters Beatrice and Eugenie are also mentioned.

Andrew is the second high-profile Briton to fall as a result of the release of documents related to the Epstein case. Veteran politician Peter Mandelson resigned his seat in the House of Lords and was removed from his role as British ambassador to the United States after the revelation of emails and contacts with Epstein that raised questions about his conduct and judgment, leading to police investigations into the alleged leaking of official information. His departure coincided with an internal political crisis within Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government linked to that decision