The Prince of Wales is said to be prepared to take a ‘hard line’ if necessary against his cousinsNicola Croal Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer and Hanisha Sethi
23:04, 19 Feb 2026
Prince William(Image: PA)
Recent documents released by the Department of Justice have prompted serious questions regarding how much the York sisters were aware of their parents’ corrupt dealings with financier Jeffrey Epstein. Prince William is said to be ready to adopt a “hard line” if required and strengthen ties with those he trusts.
It comes as the former Duke of York was arrested this morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police confirms. Police arrived at his temporary home Wood Farm at 8am on Thursday, on the morning of his 66th birthday.
The disgraced royal has since been released from custody this evening. Pressure has been mounting on the York family for some time regarding Andrew’s ties to the late paedophile after Andrew’s ex-wife was found to be sending a string of emails to Epstein well after when she had previously claimed to have cut contact with him, the Express reports.
A leading expert has now said that Princess Anne’s daughter and William’s cousin, Zara Tindall, may also reassess her relationship with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to demonstrate loyalty to the monarchy. As reported in the Daily Mail, Richard Fitzwilliams stated: “If it came to choosing, Zara and Mike would naturally support William and Catherine if William should feel the need to oust Beatrice and Eugenie.
Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice(Image: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
“They are independent enough to do as they wish, but nobody should doubt that their loyalty, like that of Zara’s indomitable mother, Princess Anne, is first and foremost to the monarchy at all times.” In a Channel 5 documentary, ‘Zara & Anne: Like Mother Like Daughter’, Victoria Arbiter remarked: “For William in particular, trust is everything.
“So when you’ve got a cousin that understands what it is to be a member of the Royal Family, but they don’t have the same pressures associated with it, they can be a tower of strength and support. It’s Zara’s loyalty and total dedication to her family that has made her such an asset to the cousins who have had to endure the negative side of royal life.”
A BBC producer has disclosed that Princess Beatrice was present at a negotiation meeting with her father prior to his BBC Newsnight interview in November 2019.
This prompted questions about the extent of her knowledge regarding Andrew’s association with Epstein.
Along with attending a pre-production meeting with producer Sam McAlister, Beatrice notably became Andrew’s “alibi” during the interview, when he claimed he had been collecting her from a party at Pizza Express on the evening that Virginia Giuffre alleged he had sexual intercourse with her.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has strongly denied all accusations made against him.
The former prince continues to be haunted by his connections to Epstein, following the most recent batch of documents released by the US government.
The recent files included photographs of him fully clothed, kneeling on all fours over a woman lying on the ground.
The King has expressed his “profound concern” over the misconduct allegations levelled against his brother, whilst Buckingham Palace has stated it stands “ready to support” the police should they be approached.
Following Andrew’s arrest this morning, the monarch released a statement which said: “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. Charles R.”