Ex-Prince Andrew Arrested (On His Birthday)

[hollydolly]

Before she settled into life as a married mother-of-two, Princess Beatrice was known for her constant luxury holidays, and now questions are being asked about who paid the bills for the jet-setting lifestyle that defined her 20s.


The eldest daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, now 37, juggles her duties as a royal with her job as chief executive of BY-EQ - the tech advisory firm she founded in 2022 - and motherhood.

But a decade ago, Beatrice - caught in the crossfire between the Epstein Files and her parents' association with the paedophile - was known for taking lavish holidays worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In 2015, Beatrice booked time off for 17 holidays as she hit the slopes in Verbier, partied in St Tropez and Ibiza, and lounged on yachts with some of the world's most rich and famous.

While her endless holidaying drew scrutiny at the time, questions of how Beatrice could afford these trips were largely left unanswered.
'Her salary at Sony at the time was £19,500, which would not go far, while her lifestyle was obviously ridiculously excessive,' said royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.

'It now seems clear that their father's dodgy business deals when Special Trade Envoy and their mother's alleged financial dependence on Jeffrey Epstein, could have been pivotal to her life of luxury,' he added.
'Beatrice was able to live it up,' Mr Fitzwilliams said, 'but now we wonder at whose expense?'

 

[hollydolly]

More....

While her endless holidaying is a thing of the past, the royal expert said it has 'become part of the present' in light of the Epstein Files.


The Daily Mail has found an email from Epstein in 2015 where he told a friend not to worry about meeting Beatrice at an event in Mexico because she 'liked' him.
It was also in 2015 that Beatrice raised eyebrows after she was photographed sunning herself on Roman Abramovich's £1.5bn super-yacht in Ibiza.
At the time, Beatrice was in a relationship with Uber executive Dave Clark, who was waiting for her on the former Chelsea FC owner’s luxurious vessel - equipped with two swimming pools, a pair of helipads, a cinema, saunas and a beauty parlour.
Photos showed the then-26-year-old Beatrice and Dave relaxing on the Russian oligarch’s yacht Eclipse in July - less than four weeks after she moved to New York to start a new job with a private equity firm.
Later in the day, Beatrice was whisked off to another luxury line owned by Hollywood mogul David Geffen, where she joined Oprah Winfrey, her best friend Gayle King, and Disney CEO Bob Iger for drinks.
It followed a series of lavish holidays around the world - including four skiing breaks (including three at her parents’ £13million chalet in Verbier), two trips each to St Barts, New York, and Italy.
Considering Beatrice was working a £20,000-a-year role at Sony before she accepted the private equity job, questions were raised about who was funding these splashy trips.
While some sources suggested Beatrice could be enjoying the perks of being a royal, others speculated she was leveraging her royal title to claim these freebies.


Those closest to the princess, however, insisted most of the funding came from her parents - but the release of the Epstein Files has now raised separate concerns about Andrew and Fergie's finances.
Epstein complained to friends about the disgraced ex-duchess's scrounging ways in messages that suggest he bankrolled Fergie for 15 years.
The latest instalment of documents released by the US Department of Justice revealed the ex-Duchess of York begged Epstein to employ her as his house assistant because she 'desperately' needed the money.
At the time, Epstein was under house arrest in Florida after his conviction for soliciting underage sex for girls as young as 14.
When she wasn't pleading for a job, Fergie was proposing marriage to the financier.
Emails buried within the Epstein Files revealed Ferguson told Epstein 'just marry me' six months after he was released from jail in January 2010.
Epstein had been released from Palm Beach County Jail in July 2009, having served 13 months of an 18-month sentence for child sex offences.
It also beggars belief that Fergie might have sponsored her daughter's luxury holidays, considering Epstein sponsored their flight tickets when they visited him in Florida after he was released from jail.
While Sarah has already admitted she received £15,000 from Epstein, the Yorks' biographer Andrew Lownie estimates the actual sum is far higher.
'A mutual friend of Andrew and Epstein has claimed, "I think that Sarah has actually received hundreds of thousands of dollars’ from Epstein",' Mr Lownie wrote in his book Entitled, adding: 'Ferguson denies this.'
The latest batch of Epstein files showed the paedophile helped pay off around $60,000 worth of debts she owed to a former assistant.
Meanwhile, the former Duke of York was repeatedly accused of 'cashing in' on connections with oil-rich trading partners and of lavishing millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on private jets and helicopters during his time as the UK's global trade ambassador.

At the same time, he faced intense scrutiny over how he could afford his high-flying lifestyle - much less pay for Beatrice's excursions - on a Navy pension estimated at £20,000 a year and an annual allowance from the Queen of around £250,000.

 

[hollydolly]

People mention Beatrce & Eugenie... saying how sorry they feel for the 'kids''... but these 2 women are the offspring of the 2 biggest liars and grifters in Modern British History... as well as being involved in the sleaze that has become obvious led by Epstein and those yet to be named...

They are not kids.. they're not Naive young girls.. they are both married women in their mid to late 30's...

 

[CallMeKate]

I'm hearing it's about divulging or selling state secrets. Sex issues/crimes is a different story

Well now that's quite interesting! Wouldn't that be a twist if he's in other kinds of trouble as well as the obvious?!

 

[WhatInThe]

Don't get lost in the sexual perversions. Epstein operation, island etc was about much more.

By the same token many who went to an Epstein party or property probably did not engage in arranged sex or get the deal or network with the person they wanted. But after 2008 they knew they were dealing with a known sex offender with a federal criminal record.

It is ironic because I think it some of Andrews staff, associates etc probably tried covering or down playing his Epstein ties in the early days and probably had some sway in keeping the files suppressed again early on.

Some didn't even accept that the infamous picture of him with his arm our Virginia Guiffre's back was real.

 

[hollydolly]

Andrew Lownie, a royal biographer who authored '' Entitled:'' The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said he 'welcomes' the arrest.

He added: 'I am very pleased the police have moved quickly on this.

'I appreciate the arrest is only for misconduct allegation but there also seems to be evidence for the sex trafficking claims as well.

'As such the police should also question his family, and by that I mean his former wife Sarah Ferguson, and also his staff as well.

'She knows a lot I'm told she has been very involved in his activities and she is clearly a material witness, she visited the Epstein homes so would be aware of what went on, especially the alleged sex trafficking.

'But David Stern who was an associate and Andrew Mountbatten Windsors' former private secretary Amanda Thirsk should also be spoken to.

'This is a good day for British justice.'

 

[Restored]

Apparently, pictures are forthcoming and perhaps videos.

 

[IrishEyes]

It's hard enough keeping up with truths, denials, hate, gossip and personal opinions here at home.
It's just sad there is so much going on now every where. It's just pure sad and frustrating.
I guess an avalanche can come in many forms.

 

[Harry Le Hermit]

Call me suspicious. I don't picture this Andrew guy as someone that would rent a U-Haul, for his move to current location. I would think the Royal Family had connections to the moving people. As such, I would suspect that a lot of possible incriminating evidence did not make it to his current residence.

It is quite likely the Royal Lodge was scrubbed clean and the current residence is equally clean. All by design. Yes, it does sound like a conspiracy theory.

 

[CallMeKate]

It is quite likely the Royal Lodge was scrubbed clean and the current residence is equally clean. All by design. Yes, it does sound like a conspiracy theory.

He didn't keep diaries or proof of his misdeeds in a box under his bed to move residences with him. According to reports:
"He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly sending confidential British trade reports to Epstein back in 2010."

So the evidence is already solidified apparently and his homes being scrubbed clean won't make a difference.

 

[hollydolly]

The media reports that he's been ''locked up like a commoner'

Well, IMO, they don't come more common than being a fraudster, a s ex abuser, a grifter, a liar... and a traitor to the people who have paid for you and your sleezy family's luxury lifestyle...

Common ?.. that's underclass....

 

[Lewkat]

This makes me wonder? I've never heard of being arrested for "misconduct." What is the U.K.'s definition of misconduct for heaven's sake? Methinks this may be a set up between Andrew, his lawyers and police, along with our FBI to get to the root of all this without endangering anyone in the Royal Family. Andrew can now name names, and whatever else the authorities want and keep the media out of it.

 

[ohioboy]

To wit: On the order of Dereliction of duty, Misfeasance, Malfeasance, Nonfeasance, Betraying a public trust, etc.

 

[Harry Le Hermit]

He didn't keep diaries or proof of his misdeeds in a box under his bed to move residences with him. According to reports:
"He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly sending confidential British trade reports to Epstein back in 2010."

So the evidence is already solidified apparently and his homes being scrubbed clean won't make a difference.

What about digital footprint on laptops, etc? The current matter is a result of a release of Epstein files, implicating in violating government trust. Did that release of information occur prior to the move or after?

 

[Warrigal]

More from the BBC

What is misconduct in public office? published at 22:34 19 February
22:34 19 February​

Dominic Casciani
Home and legal correspondent

Misconduct in Public Office is a really complicated offence. It essentially boils down to an allegation that someone who was doing a job on behalf of the British public did something seriously wrong, knowing it to be wrong.

There are four “elements” or factors that police must focus on during their investigation so that prosecutors can later decide whether or not someone should be charged.

First, the police must establish whether the person they’re investigating was a “public officer” and the incident in question was plausibly part of those duties.

If that’s agreed, detectives will then look for evidence that the incident in question saw the suspect “wilfully” neglecting to perform their duty or wilfully misconducting themselves in some other way. That wordy definition has long been a source of legal debate - more on that later.

The next question is whether the action they committed was so bad that it was “an abuse of the public's trust”.

Lastly, if the evidence has passed those three tests, police need to examine whether the person under investigation acted “without reasonable excuse or justification”.

That final question is crucial. It’s a fundamental principle of criminal justice that someone suspected of wrongdoing is given an opportunity to put forward their side of the story - and that starts when the police come and knock on their door.

Andrew pictured leaving police station following arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office - live updates

 

[Brookswood]

The King is right about one thing and our American politicians as well as partisans on both sides could take the lesson to heart: Don’t rush to judgment. Let the legal process do its jobs.

 

[hollydolly]

An ashen-faced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been pictured leaving police custody, following his unprecedented arrest on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former prince looked shellshocked as he cowered in the back of a car leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk shortly after 7pm on his return to Sandringham.

Andrew, who turned 66 today, was detained by officers during an 8am raid on his new home at Wood Farm. In events that rocked the royal family, he became the first senior royal to be arrested in modern times.


In a statement put out just minutes after Andrew's departure, Thames Valley Police said 'a man in his sixties' has been released under investigation - as images showed how the royal seemed to be trying to evade photographers following his bruising day in the cells.

Wide-eyed and with his hands clasped in front of him, Andrew cut a lonely figure as he ditched his traditional suit and tie attire in favour of a shirt and cardigan more suited to the setting that is so far removed from the upper echelons of luxury he is used to.

The photograph of the former prince, now stripped of all his titles and privileges, is sure to haunt the royal family in the days and weeks to come.

Police added that searches being conducted in Norfolk, relating to Andrew's new residence, Wood Farm, have concluded.

 

[Rider77]

One can only hope that this is the beginning of bringing guilty parties to justice. I don't know anymore about than I have read from various media sources, but I suspect this action against the former Prince has caused other prominent persons to experience some puckering. If any group other than powerful and high placed individuals were involved the jails would already have some nasty residents. Maybe there is hope, but I wait to see it before I believe it.

You could easily say that this action affords the royal family a path toward gaining more distance from an embarrassing issue. Their press ratings have suffered considerably.

 

[Rider77]

One can only hope that this is the beginning of bringing guilty parties to justice. I don't know anymore about than I have read from various media sources, but I suspect this action against the former Prince has caused other prominent persons to experience some puckering. If any group other than powerful and high placed individuals were involved the jails would already have some nasty residents. Maybe there is hope, but I wait to see it before I believe it.

You could easily say that this action affords the royal family a path toward gaining more distance from an embarrassing issue. Their press ratings have suffered considerably.

Before she settled into life as a married mother-of-two, Princess Beatrice was known for her constant luxury holidays, and now questions are being asked about who paid the bills for the jet-setting lifestyle that defined her 20s.


The eldest daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, now 37, juggles her duties as a royal with her job as chief executive of BY-EQ - the tech advisory firm she founded in 2022 - and motherhood.

But a decade ago, Beatrice - caught in the crossfire between the Epstein Files and her parents' association with the paedophile - was known for taking lavish holidays worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In 2015, Beatrice booked time off for 17 holidays as she hit the slopes in Verbier, partied in St Tropez and Ibiza, and lounged on yachts with some of the world's most rich and famous.

While her endless holidaying drew scrutiny at the time, questions of how Beatrice could afford these trips were largely left unanswered.
'Her salary at Sony at the time was £19,500, which would not go far, while her lifestyle was obviously ridiculously excessive,' said royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.

'It now seems clear that their father's dodgy business deals when Special Trade Envoy and their mother's alleged financial dependence on Jeffrey Epstein, could have been pivotal to her life of luxury,' he added.
'Beatrice was able to live it up,' Mr Fitzwilliams said, 'but now we wonder at whose expense?'

I don't know how things work across the pond, but if Andrew waddled into a U S prison he might find out what sexual abuse really is.

 

[hollydolly]

One can only hope that this is the beginning of bringing guilty parties to justice. I don't know anymore about than I have read from various media sources, but I suspect this action against the former Prince has caused other prominent persons to experience some puckering. If any group other than powerful and high placed individuals were involved the jails would already have some nasty residents. Maybe there is hope, but I wait to see it before I believe it.

You could easily say that this action affords the royal family a path toward gaining more distance from an embarrassing issue. Their press ratings have suffered considerably.

I don't know how things work across the pond, but if Andrew waddled into a U S prison he might find out what sexual abuse really is.

well he's a bit to old for most prisoners in the UK....for that..lol

 

[Rider77]

well he's a bit to old for most prisoners in the UK....for that..lol

that certainly would be his hope but a good dose of fear would be good for him and his cohorts.

 

[Rider77]

Sound like these off spring were pampered and eagerly enjoyed luxury at the expense of others. In the end it comes down to common sense parenting. I may be misled but at least the public image of William & Kate tells me they are trying to have a decent family atmosphere. I hope that is true because those cute kids deserve a decent childhood.

People mention Beatrce & Eugenie... saying how sorry they feel for the 'kids''... but these 2 women are the offspring of the 2 biggest liars and grifters in Modern British History... as well as being involved in the sleaze that has become obvious led by Epstein and those yet to be named...

They are not kids.. they're not Naive young girls.. they are both married women in their mid to late 30's...

 

[Tish]

Andrew Lownie, a royal biographer who authored '' Entitled:'' The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said he 'welcomes' the arrest.

He added: 'I am very pleased the police have moved quickly on this.

'I appreciate the arrest is only for misconduct allegation but there also seems to be evidence for the sex trafficking claims as well.

'As such the police should also question his family, and by that I mean his former wife Sarah Ferguson, and also his staff as well.

'She knows a lot I'm told she has been very involved in his activities and she is clearly a material witness, she visited the Epstein homes so would be aware of what went on, especially the alleged sex trafficking.

'But David Stern who was an associate and Andrew Mountbatten Windsors' former private secretary Amanda Thirsk should also be spoken to.

'This is a good day for British justice.'

I can't wait for the updated book he is releasing in May this year.

 

[hollydolly]

I can't wait for the updated book he is releasing in May this year.

yes me too...I just bought his last book ''Entitled'' so I just started reading that...but I follow him on Youtube as well so I've learned a lot from his interviews there which is in the book.....but he's going to have loads more for the new book now....

 

[Tish]

Can someone please explain to me what is next?
He has been released is the last update we got here.