Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen returning after leaving police custody, following his arrest on February 19, 2026 in Sandringham, Norfolk(Image: Getty Images)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been mired in scandal for over a decade, and it appears the Royal Family has finally recognised the seriousness of the matter, gathering to address the most recent revelations, according to a royal expert.
In an exclusive conversation with Ian Pelham Turner, a former royal photographer, he shared his insights regarding Andrew’s arrest on Thursday morning, disclosing that the Royal Family was kept entirely in the dark beforehand, reports the Mirror..
Pelham Turner explained: “None of the Royal Family, including King Charles and Prince William, were informed beforehand that the arrest was going to take place.
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“I am sure nerves will be on frantic keel behind the scenes with the Royal Family concerned about what explosive details may come out,” Pelham Turner commented. “I think a war room may have been set up at Windsor with top current and previous royal consultants brought in for their advice.”
The royal expert indicated that both Charles and William dismiss any “predetermined involvement” in how the arrest was conducted, reports the Mirror US.
Though profoundly humiliating for Andrew, this is seen as “the Royal Family showing the iron fist in the velvet glove,” Pelham Turner noted. Following his arrest, Charles released a statement distancing himself from the discredited royal, whilst confirming police have his full support.
Andrew’s arrest reverberated across the world Charles stated: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.”
He went on to add: “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
The King has pledged his “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“This is the biggest crisis facing Buckingham Place and the Royal Family,” Pelham Turner remarked, adding: “Whilst doing interviews outside Buckingham Palace the King was speedily rushed by global media with outriders clearing the way,”.
“This is a major blow to the monarchy, brought down by the anti-monarchist group Republican, who insisted the police investigate the matter.”
Pelham Turner also revealed that Andrew has earned the nickname “blabbermouth,” amongst his police protection officers, a detail that could leave the wider Royal Family deeply concerned he may “reveal secrets about the Firm in a bid to alleviate any potential sentencing by a court appearance.”
Speaking to People magazine, Dr Tom Frost elaborated on the implications of Andrew’s arrest: “Being placed under arrest allows the police force to question him under caution, which means he would be advised of his legal rights, and it also allows them to search his properties for evidence pertaining to the investigation.”
Andrew was detained on suspicion of misconduct whilst serving as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, before being released from custody.
In a statement issued at 7.31pm, the force confirmed: “Thames Valley Police is able to provide an update in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office. On Thursday (19/2) we arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“The arrested man has now been released under investigation. We can also confirm that our searches in Norfolk have now concluded.”
The force confirmed that searches in Berkshire remain ongoing and stated it would not be making any additional comments at present.
Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment by The Mirror.
