Prince Andrew’s Arrest Sparks Silence from Harry and Meghan

Amidst widespread reaction to the arrest of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have remained notably silent. This decision comes as Andrew, the King’s brother, faces allegations related to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and is currently in police custody USAToday.

A History of Tension

The silence from the Sussexes is particularly striking given Prince Harry’s previously expressed frustrations with the handling of his uncle’s situation. In his memoir, Spare, Harry detailed his bewilderment at the disparity in treatment between himself, and Andrew. He questioned why Andrew faced minimal repercussions despite accusations of sexual assault, while he and Meghan were stripped of taxpayer-funded security for choosing to step back as senior royals The Telegraph.

Harry wrote that Andrew was “embroiled in a shameful scandal, accused of the sexual assault of a young woman, and no one had so much as suggested that he lose his security.” He felt that Buckingham Palace had “circled the wagons” around Andrew, while he and Meghan were “unceremoniously cut loose” for airing family grievances.

Avoiding Further Complication

Despite his past criticisms, Prince Harry appears to recognize that commenting on his uncle’s current legal troubles would likely be unproductive. Sources suggest he understands that no great can come of adding to the “shame” surrounding the situation The Telegraph.

The Duke of Sussex spent ten years serving in the military. Comparatively, his own controversies have been minor, leading to questions about the unequal application of standards within the royal family.

Past Disputes

Reports indicate a strained relationship between Harry and Andrew, with allegations that Andrew once dismissed Harry’s marriage to Meghan, predicting it would “not last more than a month” and accusing Meghan of being an opportunist The Telegraph. The Sussexes have denied these claims, stating there was never a physical altercation or such disparaging remarks made by Andrew.

Line of Succession Unaffected

The arrest of Prince Andrew does not immediately alter the line of succession to the British throne. Removing someone from the line of succession requires novel legislation, as demonstrated by the case of King Edward VIII in 1936 The Independent. Currently, Prince William is first in line, followed by his children, and then Prince Harry’s children, including Prince Archie, who is sixth in line The Independent.

The Sussexes’ decision to remain silent reflects an understanding of the gravity of the situation and a recognition that their involvement would likely be unhelpful. While they have often spoken out against injustice, they appear to be taking a measured approach in this instance, acknowledging the potential damage to the monarchy’s reputation The Telegraph.