Journalist in Famous 2019 Andrew Interview Is 'Stunned'

Emily Maitlis, whose 2019 BBC grilling of Prince Andrew helped sink his public standing, says she's "stunned" to see him now under arrest, People reports. Andrew was detained Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, as investigators probe claims he passed confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. Speaking to CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Maitlis stressed how rare the moment is, noting the last royal arrest dates to the 17th century and the downfall of Charles I.

Maitlis pointed out that Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne and still lives on the royal estate, raising fresh questions for King Charles about how close he appears to his brother. She argued the king effectively cleared the way for legal action when he stripped Andrew of his title and removed him from Royal Lodge last fall, signaling his brother was "no longer untouchable." Charles' statement this week that "no one is above the law," paired with his "deepest concern" over the situation, was "absolutely critical," Maitlis said—though she noted it's still unclear whether that concern is for Andrew, Epstein's victims, or both. The king was not informed about Andrew's arrest in advance.