Major Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor replace as Palace ‘units out’ authorized charges place
Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with sources claiming taxpayers will not foot his legal bill
Andrew was arrested on Thursday(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The British public will not be required to “foot the legal bill” for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest, according to reports. Andrew, who is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, was detained for approximately 11 hours on Thursday before being released under investigation by Thames Valley Police.
He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations made against him after the release of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Now, fresh reports suggest Buckingham Palace will take additional measures to ensure the taxpayer does not contribute a single penny towards the disgraced royal’s costs.
It is suggested that if Andrew cannot afford his own legal representation, the financial responsibility “will not fall on the public purse,” a source informed The Telegraph. It remains uncertain where the Royal Household will source the funds, with some sources explicitly stating that King Charles would not contribute to his brother’s expenses.
The newspaper suggests that lawyer Gary Bloxsome could potentially defend the former duke in court as he is “the only man still by his side”, reports the Express. Mr Bloxsome is a criminal defence solicitor who was hired by the former Duke of York in 2020 when the FBI was probing with questions about his friendship with the convicted sex offender.
His appointment was labelled an “inspired hire” because, even though Andrew’s friends and associates have now distanced themselves from him, Mr Bloxsome “stood firm”. The solicitor was spotted calling at Royal Lodge just recently before Andrew was taken to Norfolk three weeks ago.
A source revealed: “Who else would he possibly call on? He’s a criminal lawyer. This is Gary’s speciality, there is no better man for the job.
“It wouldn’t make any sense for him [Mr Mountbatten-Windsor] to go anywhere else. He knows all the history and they have a good relationship.”
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday over claims he passed on confidential information to Epstein whilst working as the UK’s trade envoy. Thames Valley Police had previously stated the force was examining allegations after emails released by the US Department of Justice seemed to demonstrate Andrew sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with the discredited financier.
He was photographed while slouching and appearing shattered in the rear of a car as he departed Aylsham police station in Norfolk on Thursday evening. He returned to Sandringham afterwards, his vehicle speeding past assembled reporters.
It is understood that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace had been informed before the arrest on Thursday morning.
At around midday, Charles released a statement in which he said the police “have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
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