The royal estate of Sandringham was the scene of an unprecedented event this Thursday, as King Charles III’s younger brother was arrested at his home and taken into custody as part of an investigation into « abuse of power » related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Occurring on his 66th birthday, this arrest marks a historic turning point, as it is the very first time a member of the modern British monarchy has been subjected to such a legal procedure.
Suspected of using his position and the resources of the Crown to facilitate or conceal illicit activities linked to the American financier’s network, the former Duke of York spent much of the day being questioned before finally being allowed to leave the police station in the early evening.
This arrest follows the recent declassification of new confidential documents by the US Department of Justice, providing new details about the prince’s travels and meetings at Epstein’s properties.
Although released, the former prince remains at the center of a major political and institutional storm, while Buckingham Palace maintains a prudent silence, emphasizing that this matter is now strictly a private and judicial affair.
This new development in the Epstein saga further damages the firm’s image and raises crucial questions about equality before the law for members of the royal family, while also renewing international pressure for increased cooperation from British authorities in this global criminal case.