Trump Calls Former Prince Andrew Arrest “Very Sad” as Epstein Fallout Deepens

Feb 20, 2026

Photos contradict Trump's claim not to know Prince Andrew | Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | The Guardian

President Donald Trump weighed in Thursday on the dramatic arrest of former British royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, calling it “very sad” and “a shame” for the royal family. Trump’s comments came as the U.K. made an unprecedented move against senior royalty tied to the Epstein scandal.

Asked about the arrest while aboard Air Force One, Trump said it was “so bad for the royal family” and described the development as “very, very sad” — emphasising his sympathy for King Charles III and the monarchy. Trump also reminded reporters that he has been “totally exonerated” regarding his own past scrutiny related to Jeffrey Epstein.

British police detained Mountbatten-Windsor Thursday at his Norfolk home on suspicion of misconduct in public office connected to recently released Epstein files. After about 11 hours in custody, he was released under investigation.

King Charles III issued a statement saying he had learned of the news with “the deepest concern” and that “the law must take its course,” urging proper and fair investigation as authorities proceed.

Trump’s remarks come amid fresh global attention on Jeffrey Epstein’s network and ties to powerful figures. British authorities are examining alleged sharing of confidential trade information in 2010, which appears in millions of pages of documents from U.S. Justice Department records.

The arrest marks a major development in the long-running Epstein fallout that already led to Mountbatten-Windsor being stripped of royal titles and residences.

The international spotlight on Epstein’s circle is reignited, and U.K. and U.S. lawmakers are pushing for broader accountability.

What happens next: British police continue their investigation, and new revelations from the documents could prompt further legal or political responses.

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