Republic Claims It Caused Prince Andrew's Arrest, Demands King Charles and Prince William Speak Out

The anti-monarchy group Republic claims it caused Prince Andrew's arrest. This is a major escalation of pressure on the British Royal Family.
By Newsroom | UK Politics, Royal Family |

A British anti-monarchy group, Republic, has claimed responsibility for the recent arrest of Prince Andrew, formerly the Duke of York. The group asserts its actions led to the police investigation, a claim met with skepticism by some royal experts but which Republic's leader uses to intensify calls for broader scrutiny of the royal family, including King Charles III and Prince William.

Background and Arrest

On Thursday, February 19th, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, known previously as Prince Andrew, was arrested by Thames Valley Police. The arrest occurred at Sandringham Palace and was made on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This follows accusations that he allegedly shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The arrest prompted searches at his residences in Sandringham and Windsor.

Read More: Prince Andrew Released Under Investigation After Misconduct Arrest in Norfolk

What is Republic, the anti-monarchy group claiming credit for the former prince Andrew's arrest? - 1

Republic's Stance and Actions

Graham Smith, the CEO of Republic, has publicly stated that the group's efforts were directly responsible for Prince Andrew's arrest.

"Make no mistake, this is a result of Republic's action."

Republic is a British organization dedicated to abolishing the monarchy and establishing an elected head of state. The group has been a vocal critic of royal activities, repeatedly calling for police investigations into Prince Andrew.

What is Republic, the anti-monarchy group claiming credit for the former prince Andrew's arrest? - 2

  • Prior to the arrest, Republic was already considering a private prosecution against Prince Andrew.

  • The group instructed a law firm specializing in private prosecutions to investigate allegations of sexual assault, corruption, and misconduct in public office.

  • Republic has also launched campaigns urging Members of Parliament (MPs) to launch inquiries into alleged royal corruption, demanding full disclosure of gifts, business relationships, and the use of public money for private costs.

  • The group's "Ditch the Duchies Campaign" aims to highlight financial aspects of the monarchy.

Wider Implications and Claims

Following the arrest, Graham Smith has widened the group's focus, suggesting that other senior royals may be material witnesses or have also committed offenses.

"Now the police must follow all evidence wherever it leads and that the King and Prince William need to speak up and admit to whatever they have known, when and why they continued to protect Andrew."

Smith has also asserted on social media that King Charles and Prince William have questions to answer regarding their knowledge and actions concerning Prince Andrew. Republic suggests that the arrest of Prince Andrew is merely a starting point for challenging the monarchy's foundations.

What is Republic, the anti-monarchy group claiming credit for the former prince Andrew's arrest? - 3

Royal Experts' Perspective

Despite Republic's claims of influence, some royal experts suggest the group's impact is relatively minor. The extent to which Republic's direct actions precipitated the official police investigation remains a point of contention.

Read More: Former Prince Andrew Released After Arrest Linked to Epstein Files in Norfolk

Conflicting Narratives

Republic's Asserted Influence

Republic positions itself as a driving force behind the investigation into Prince Andrew, using the arrest to amplify its anti-monarchy agenda. The group emphasizes its persistent calls for accountability and transparency, suggesting that authorities have been reluctant to act without significant public and organizational pressure.

What is Republic, the anti-monarchy group claiming credit for the former prince Andrew's arrest? - 4

Official and Circumstantial Evidence

The official arrest was based on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stemming from allegations of sharing confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy. Police confirmed they were investigating a complaint related to this matter. The timing of the arrest and Republic's ongoing campaign raise questions about potential synergy, though a direct causal link remains to be definitively established.

Expert Analysis

Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, has been a consistent voice advocating for the abolition of the monarchy. His public statements aim to link the actions of individual royals, such as Prince Andrew, to systemic issues within the institution.

Read More: King Charles III Says Law Must Proceed After Brother Andrew's Arrest on February 19, 2026

"The royals hide their corruption in plain sight."

The group's strategy often involves leveraging public controversies to gain media attention and pressure political figures.

Conclusion

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office has provided Republic, an anti-monarchy organization, with a platform to assert its influence. The group claims its actions led to the arrest and is now using the event to call for wider investigations into other senior royals. While Republic has been actively campaigning for Prince Andrew's prosecution and greater royal accountability, the precise degree of its causal impact on the official police investigation is a matter for further examination. The situation underscores a growing pressure on the monarchy, fueled by ongoing controversies and the persistent advocacy of groups like Republic.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did the anti-monarchy group Republic cause Prince Andrew's arrest on February 19th?
Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, claims the group's actions directly led to Prince Andrew's arrest. The group had been considering a private prosecution against the former Duke of York.
Q: What are Republic's main goals?
Republic is a group that wants to end the monarchy in Britain and have an elected leader instead. They have been campaigning for police to investigate royal corruption and for more openness about royal finances.
Q: What does Republic want from King Charles and Prince William?
Following Prince Andrew's arrest, Graham Smith stated that King Charles and Prince William need to explain what they knew about Andrew's actions and why they protected him. Republic wants them to speak publicly about the situation.
Q: What was Prince Andrew arrested for on February 19th?
Prince Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This is related to accusations that he shared secret information with Jeffrey Epstein when he was a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. He denies all wrongdoing.