Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis has shared her concerns about Prince Andrew’s mental health following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office
Emily Maitlis has spoken out following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor earlier today. The scandal-hit royal was taken into custody this morning, February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
His arrest coincides with his 66th birthday today, as police made the extraordinary decision to descend upon his Sandringham residence.
Emily, who famously conducted Andrew’s disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, expressed her concern following the news. Speaking on LBC, the 55 year old admitted: “I think one of the reasons I’m gobsmacked is because there is something very personal in this as well.
“We talk a lot about people’s state of mind and health and all the rest of it. I feel concern actually, as I’m watching this story unfold. I suppose that two things can be simultaneously true, that it can have been a long time coming, but when it does, there is somebody at the centre of it and it is a father and there are children and there is a mental health question.”
The 55 year old added: “I suppose that’s what’s holding me back a bit and saying, this is a pretty serious moment. It’s a grave moment. It’s not a jumping up and down moment.”, reports the Daily Record.
During the infamous 2019 interview, Andrew infamously declared: “There’s a slight problem with the sweating because I have a peculiar medical condition which is that I don’t sweat.”
Emily recently suggested that she believes King Charles has ceased shielding his younger brother Andrew, as she interprets the monarch’s decision to strip his brother of his titles as a clear signal, according to the Express. Speaking on LBC, she said: “I think from the moment that they took the title away what they were essentially saying was whoever needs to talk to him, you come and get him. It does not come back to me – as in King Charles.
“I think that was the first sign that if the Met police want to investigate, they could, he is now Mountbatten Windsor – Mr. – you know. As we know he’s not residing in Royal Lodge. Yes, he’s not been funded by the taxpayer, he’s in Charles’ own residence now.
“I understand you might question what that implies regarding who ultimately foots the bill for that house, but I believe that was a very clear indication from the King that Andrew is on his own on this one.”
Following Andrew’s arrest this morning, the King stated “the law must take its course”.
He declared: “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. Charles R.”
It is understood that the Palace, and the King, were not given prior notice of Andrew’s arrest.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.