Prince Andrew arrested, released after 11-hour detention

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested and released

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in a public office dominated the UK's newspaper front pages on Friday. The former prince was detained by Thames Valley Police in a morning raid at his residence on the Sandringham estate and released after approximately 11 hours in custody.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday, and King Charles III is reported to have had no prior warning.

Front pages focus on a single image

Nearly every front page featured the same photograph of Mountbatten-Windsor slouched in the back of a car leaving Aylsham police station on Thursday evening. The image framed the coverage of what papers described as an unprecedented and historic moment for the monarchy.

The Daily Telegraph reported the arrest makes him the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested. The Times called it the "biggest crisis for the monarchy since the abdication" of Edward VIII.

Headlines declare a royal downfall

Newspapers used stark language to describe the event and the former prince's demeanor in the released photograph. The Daily Mail's one-word headline was "Downfall," describing him as looking "haggard, shamed and haunted."

The Daily Mirror declared "Andrew has nowhere to hide," while The Sun's headline, "Now he's sweating," referenced his disputed 2019 claim of a medical condition that prevented him from sweating.

Key descriptions of the arrest and its implications included:

• "The magnitude of his fall from grace seemed etched on his face" (Daily Telegraph)
• A "huge" moment that "could affect the whole monarchy" (Former protection officer Dai Davies in the Daily Mirror)
• The end of an "old model – of discreet exile and silence" for the Royal Family (The Guardian editorial)

King Charles's reaction leads coverage

Several papers led their stories with King Charles's brief comment on the situation. Both The Daily Express and The Guardian headlined with the King's statement that "the law must take its course."

The Metro also focused its coverage on the monarch's response to his brother's arrest. The King's remarks were the only official royal response highlighted across the press.

One paper breaks from the story

While the arrest consumed the national press, The Financial Times was the notable exception. Its front page led with international news, reporting that former US President Donald Trump had set a "10-day window to decide on Iran strikes" or seek a deal.

The paper noted the US had recently bolstered its military force in the Middle East, shifting the day's focus away from the royal crisis.