UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Reiterates 'Nobody Is Above the Law' Amid Prince Andrew's Arrest
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a definitive statement regarding the principle of legal equality, declaring that "nobody is above the law," just hours before former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by police. The arrest centers on allegations of misconduct in public office, specifically involving the sending of reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.
Starmer's Response to BBC Question on Andrew's Cooperation
Starmer was responding to a BBC inquiry about whether Prince Andrew should voluntarily speak with UK police. He stated, "I think that's a matter for the police. They will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law." He further emphasized, "It's a very important principle of our country... and it has to apply in this case in the same way it would in any other case."
Additionally, Starmer noted that Members of Parliament are free to debate Andrew's connections to Epstein, highlighting the ongoing public and political scrutiny surrounding the case.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Arrest
The alleged misconduct is reported to have occurred in 2010 at Royal Lodge, the former residence of Prince Andrew. According to BBC reports, a woman in her twenties, who is not a British national, claimed that after spending the night with Andrew, she was served tea and given a tour of Buckingham Palace. Her attorney has supported these claims.
Thames Valley Police, responsible for areas west of London including Royal Lodge, confirmed they had been reviewing allegations that Andrew shared trade-related information with Epstein in 2010. Police arrested Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking a significant development in the long-running investigation into his associations.
Police Procedures and Recent Developments
Under UK law, police typically do not publicly identify suspects at the time of arrest. Authorities did not name Mountbatten-Windsor directly but confirmed they had detained a man in his sixties when questioned about his custody status.
This arrest follows the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice last month, which provided further insight into Andrew's ties with Epstein. The documents reportedly included photographs appearing to show Andrew in compromising positions and numerous files referencing him repeatedly, adding to the evidence under review.
The case continues to unfold as police investigations proceed, with Starmer's remarks underscoring the legal principles at stake in this high-profile matter.
