House Arrest for Prince Andrew and Unprecedented Crisis for the British Crown

The situation surrounding the British royal family has reached a critical point after the formal placement of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor under house arrest. This decision follows new waves of revelations in the scandal concerning Jeffrey Epstein. London police have been ordered to interrogate protection officers who accompanied the former prince during his contacts with the American billionaire. The investigation aims to clarify whether the services had knowledge of potential abuses, which places not only the royal family itself but also the British Home Office in a difficult position. Andrew's isolation is almost total. Court advisors have imposed a series of strict restrictions on him, among which the most symbolic is the ban on horse riding – one of the few remaining forms of public activity available to him. Mental health experts suggest that in the face of mounting pressure, the former prince should try to find himself in creative activities, although the chances for any rehabilitation in the eyes of the public are close to zero. Meanwhile, media reports indicate that Jeffrey Epstein, during his lifetime, allegedly blamed Charles III for Andrew's loss of his trade envoy position, which sheds new light on long-standing tensions within the dynasty. The British crown bases its legitimacy on the concept of a “servant monarchy,” introduced by Queen Victoria, which assumes the ethical spotlessness of the ruling family members as a condition for their social acceptance.King Charles III is trying to divert attention from the scandal by focusing efforts on preparing state structures for modern threats, such as defense against drones, and on promoting the younger generations of the Windsors. Princess Kate and Prince William are participating in numerous public meetings, trying to cover the growing constitutional crisis with a “smile.” Despite these efforts, some polls indicate a decline in the couple's popularity, raising questions about the future of the British system of government in the face of such deep disgrace for one of the leading clan members. The situation also forces a redefinition of the line of succession, from which Andrew has been de facto excluded. „Die Familie Windsor stürzt die Krone und das Land in eine beispiellose Krise” (The Windsor family is plunging the crown and the country into an unprecedented crisis) — Commentator for Süddeutsche Zeitung