For someone like the former prince Andrew the idea of jail probably seems absurd. He’s lived a life of impunity, no matter what he has done, protected by the British royal family he was born into. That’s probably why he looked so shellshocked in pictures taken outside the police station when he was released after being questioned for 11 hours. Now, with the investigation into his dealings with Epstein and his misconduct in public office, there’s a real possibility he could face jail time. And that, reportedly, isn’t sitting well with Andrew.
RadarOnline.com is reporting that he is looking to hide “under the coat-tails” of his former fixer, David Stern. Stern, who was named more than 7,400 times in the new batch of the Epstein files, is reportedly living in Abu Dhabi. He is said to be a close friend of both Andrew and Epstein.
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Emails show Stern writing to Epstein: “I am always on your team!” and referring to him as “boss” and a “good friend.” He also informed Epstein of Andrew’s movements, sharing itineraries and details of trade trips. Now, a source close to the investigation into Andrew’s links to Epstein said: “The sheer frequency with which Stern’s name appears in the files has immediately elevated him from a peripheral figure to someone investigators regard as central to understanding how these networks operated.”
“As a result, there is an active effort underway to determine precisely where he is based and to assess whether he would be willing – or compelled – to cooperate with any formal inquiries.”
It is not known if Andrew and Stern remain in contact, but there has been speculation that the former prince might seek refuge with Stern. He is currently in Wood Farm, at Sandringham, where he moved after he vacated Royal Lodge. An insider told the outlet, “If Andrew manages to flee somewhere like Abu Dhabi, it will make investigating him further very difficult. He is now basically being looked at as a flight risk.”
Andrew was arrested on February 19, on his 66th birthday, and police have conducted searches in multiple properties associated with him. He is still being investigated for misconduct in public office due to reported communications he had with Epstein, where he shared highly confidential information that he knew because of his work as a trade envoy for Britain.
The maximum sentence for the offense is life behind bars.
King Charles released a statement right after his brother’s arrest, saying, “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.”
He added, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. 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.”
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