How the royal family is weathering its worst crisis in 90 years

The royal family is continuing its duties amidst what experts have called its “worst crisis in 90 years” following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday.

Both King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen out and about on the day of the arrest, while the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to appear in public on Saturday.

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 10:00

Recap: Six of Sarah Ferguson’s companies wound down after Epstein links revealed

Following Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s arrest on Thursday over allegations of misconduct in a public office, questions linger over what comes next for his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

It comes after the latest tranche of emails in the Epstein files were released by the US Department of Justice. The emails appear to suggest Ms Ferguson continued a friendship with the paedophile financier after Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a child.

In one email, the former duchess appears to say to Epstein: “I am at your service. Just marry me.”

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 09:45

Former royal protection officer claims Mountbatten-Windsor smuggled women into palace ‘multiple times a week’

A former royal protection officer has claimed he reported Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to the police after he smuggled women into Buckingham Palace “multiple times a week”.

Paul Page, who served between 1998 and 2004, said he received a warning from the Metropolitan Police in December reminding him of his obligations of “confidentiality and respect for the privacy of those who are protected”.

Mr Page told The Times: ‘It’s [the letter] trying to say, in the nicest possible terms, “can you shut up?”.’

He added the officers were not allowed to know the identities of any of the women.

The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment.

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 09:30

Comment: Queen Elizabeth would be horrified by how far Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has fallen

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 09:15

Tell us what you saw or heard, police urge Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s protection officers

The Metropolitan Police said they were identifying and contacting former and serving close protection officers of the former Duke of York, urging them to share any information that could assist with the investigation.

The Independent’s Maira Butt has this story below:

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 09:00

‘He was never a prince’: Virginia Giuffre’s family speak out

Virginia Giuffre’s family welcomed news of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, saying: “He was never a prince.”

“At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” Ms Giuffre’s siblings said in a statement.

“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 08:45

Prince and Princess of Wales expected to appear in public as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor probe continues

The Royal family is expected to continue engagements as usual this weekend as a police search at Royal Lodge enters its third day.

Prince and Princess of Wales William and Kate are anticipated to appear in public carrying out royal duties on Saturday.

It comes after King Charles and Queen Camilla each attended royal engagements on Thursday following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.

The King refrained from answering questions from reporters at the time, but later issued his own statement in which he said the “law must take its course”.

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 08:30

Inside the police’s secret operation to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The Independent’s Bryony Gooch takes a look inside the former royal’s arrest below:

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 08:15

MPs set to meet to consider investigation into former prince’s role as trade envoy

MPs are reportedly set to meet on Tuesday to consider an investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a UK trade envoy.

According to The Guardian, the cross-party business and trade committee said it would meet next Tuesday to assess a possible investigation into the role he held from 2001 to 2011.

One source told the newspaper he consistently badgered ministers for a more significant job on several occasions.

Others said he was widely regarded as a “liability” in the role because of his personality and the way he did the job.

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 08:00

Trump calls Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest ‘so bad for the royal family’

“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,” Mr Trump said Thursday.

Nicole Wootton-Cane21 February 2026 07:45