US President Donald Trump has described the arrest of Prince Andrew as “very sad” and “so bad for the Royal Family” following the former royal’s detention in the United Kingdom on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the development was deeply unfortunate. “I think it’s a shame. I think it’s very sad. I think it’s so bad for the Royal Family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a very sad thing,” he said.
Prince Andrew, whose birth name is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on his 66th birthday after British police carried out a raid on his estate in Sandringham on Thursday. He was later released from custody after spending most of the day being questioned, but remains under investigation.
Trump also took the opportunity to praise King Charles III, describing him as “a fantastic person” and noting that the monarch is expected to visit the United States soon.
The US president further claimed he had been “totally exonerated” following the recent release of millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, adding that renewed pressure is mounting for similar high-profile arrests in the US after British authorities took action against Andrew.
Prince Andrew has faced renewed scrutiny over his past relationship with Epstein after the US Department of Justice released a large cache of documents last month. Among the materials was a photograph showing Andrew lying on the floor with a young woman.
In a brief statement, Thames Valley Police confirmed that “a man in his sixties” had been released but remains under investigation, and that searches had been completed in Norfolk near Andrew’s residence at Wood Farm.
The former Duke of York is reportedly being investigated over allegations that he passed sensitive information to Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy.
It has also emerged that King Charles was not given advance notice of his brother’s arrest. In an unprecedented public statement, the monarch expressed his “deepest concern” and stressed that “the law must take its course.”
“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,” the King said. “They have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”
Charles and his heir, Prince William, are expected to visit the United States in late April, as the royal family confronts what is being described as its most serious scandal in decades.