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Donald Trump Talks About Ex-Prince Andrew Getting Arrested: 'It's a Shame

As news of the former Duke of York’s detention broke, Trump described the situation as deeply unfortunate.

US President Donald Trump has responded to the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, expressing sympathy while also pointing to the impact on the royal family. As news of the former Duke of York’s detention broke, Trump described the situation as deeply unfortunate — not just for Mountbatten-Windsor personally, but for the monarchy as a whole.

The 79-year-old, when asked about Mountbatten Windsor’s arrest on Thursday, February 19, said, “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.” The President’s comments came against the backdrop of a dramatic morning in Norfolk. At approximately 8 a.m. local time on Thursday, which also marked his 66th birthday, Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at the royal family’s Sandringham Estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the BBC.

Authorities are examining allegations that, during his tenure as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment between 2001 and 2011, he shared confidential information with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in 2019.

Buckingham Palace has also issued a statement. "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," the King's statement read. "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. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course."

Trump sympathized with Charles and revealed that the monarch is expected in the United States 'very soon,' describing him as a 'fantastic man.' While Buckingham Palace has not formally confirmed dates, speculation has mounted that Charles could undertake a state visit this Spring. The anticipated trip follows the Trumps’ own high-profile visit to the United Kingdom in September 2025, when Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, hosted the US President and First Lady Melania Trump during an unprecedented second state visit. 

Earlier, in the immediate aftermath of Mountbatten-Windsor formally relinquishing his royal titles, including the use of 'Prince,' Trump had also shared his sympathies. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he described the development in similar words. He said, “It's a terrible thing that's happened to the family. That's been a tragic situation. It's too bad. I feel badly for the family.”