The arrest of former senior royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew, drew massive attention last week.
Now, new details have surfaced about what the royal figure allegedly said the moment he was arrested.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on February 19, 2026 — the day he turned 66 — in a stunning development that has reverberated across Britain’s political and royal circles.
According to Thames Valley Police, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an uncommon allegation for someone of his former rank.
The investigation centers on claims that, during his time as a UK trade envoy, he may have passed sensitive government information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Misconduct in public office is classed as one of the most serious offenses in the UK. If convicted, Andrew could face life in prison, though a trial would need to take place at a Crown Court due to the seriousness of the crime.
Andrew spent nearly 11 hours in custody before being released under investigation. Authorities are continuing to examine properties connected to him in Norfolk as well as his former home, Royal Lodge.
A fraught removal from Royal Lodge
The legal drama unfolded alongside a symbolic personal upheaval. Mountbatten-Windsor was already in the process of leaving Royal Lodge, the estate he had occupied for decades, and relocating to a smaller cottage on the Sandringham Estate after earlier palace decisions removed his royal titles and official duties.
Investigators were seen at both his former residence and his new accommodation as part of a broader evidence review, including emails and other communications linked to Epstein.
The situation has also spilled into politics. Some UK lawmakers have begun discussing whether legislation could be introduced to formally remove him from the line of succession — a move that would require parliamentary approval.
The reported 11-word outburst
Amid the tense eviction and arrest process, a moment described by sources and reported in British media quickly gained attention.
“He refused to leave or take any responsibility,” an insider told the Sun on Sunday.
“When officials told him to leave, he was so arrogant and out of touch that he kept shouting, ‘But I’m the Queen’s second son, you can’t do this to me.’”
“It is extraordinary he chose to use the Queen’s name in his defence. No one is quite sure if the reality of his dire situation has hit home even yet,” the source added.
Another insider revealed that the discussions were tense, with Andrew making it clear that he “did not want to leave.”
Critics say the remark has come to symbolize the stark contrast between his once-privileged position and his current legal predicament. Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Investigation continues as political pressure mounts
As for now, mo formal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are reviewing documents and correspondence released by US authorities and are expected to question former aides and security staff as enquiries expand.
Meanwhile, King Charles III has publicly stressed that “the law must take its course,” signaling support for due process while distancing the monarchy from the controversy.
The British government is now weighing new legislation that would strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his place in the line of succession.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard told the BBC that the measure — which would bar Andrew from ever becoming king — is the “right thing to do,” regardless of how the police investigation unfolds.
At present, Andrew, the King’s brother, is still eighth in line to the throne, even though he was stripped of his titles, including “prince,” last October amid mounting scrutiny over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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