Donald Trump speaks out on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s ‘sad’ arrest

Donald Trump has reacted to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, calling it 'very sad' and 'a shame'.

The US President’s comments come after the former prince and Duke of York was arrested yesterday (19 February) on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, who is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, was detained on his 66th birthday over allegations he shared sensitive information with the criminal financier while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

He was held in custody for around 11 hours before he was released under investigation by Thames Valley Police.

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

Now, the American President, 79, has shared his thoughts on the matter, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to an appearance in Georgia.

A journalist asked the Republican leader: “Prince Andrew has been arrested by the police for something with Jeffrey Epstein. Do you think people in this country, at some point, associates of Jeffrey Epstein, will wind up in handcuffs too?”

See his response here:

Trump himself reportedly appeared in the Department of Justice’s latest Epstein files drop hundreds of times; however, it’s important to note that this doesn’t indicate any wrongdoing.

The world leader, who socialised and partied with Epstein in the 1990s and 2000s before their fallout, has continuously denied any wrongdoing or any knowledge of Epstein's crimes.

The President told reporters: “Well, you know, I’m the expert in a way because I’ve been totally exonerated, that’s very nice. So I can actually speak about it very nicely.

“I think it’s a shame. I think it's very sad. I think it's so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad. To me, it’s a very sad thing.”

He continued: “To see it and to see what’s going on with his brother, who’s obviously coming to our country very soon, is a fantastic man, the King. So I think it’s a very sad thing.”

Trump then added: “It’s really interesting cause nobody used to speak about Epstein when he was alive, but now they speak. But I’m the one that can talk about it because I’ve been totally exonerated and I did nothing.

“In fact, it was the opposite; he was against me, he was fighting me in the election.”

Following Andrew’s arrest, Thames Valley Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested yesterday on suspicion of misconduct in public office (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

"It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."

King Charles III, Andrew’s brother, also issued a statement shortly after, expressing his 'deepest concern' and insisting that 'the law must take its course'.

He said: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

"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.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."

The monarch added, "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.

"Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R."