Of all the sordid individuals Jeffrey Epstein knew, the most infamous figure in his social circles was England’s Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew before his title was stripped by his brother, King Charles III, earlier this year. Andrew was arrested yesterday, February 19 — his 66th birthday — in connection with his dealings with the late pedophile and rapist.

Andrew is accused of betraying the people of the UK by sharing trade mission documents with Epstein and his ilk. “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright explained. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

If proven in court, Andrew could receive a life sentence. Moreover, this form of insider trading could go a long way in explaining how Epstein accumulated his vast wealth.

King Charles released a statement after the arrest, noting that he was not warned ahead of the arrest but will support the police.

I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. 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. 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.

While Andrew is not being arrested for his alleged participation in sex trafficking of underaged girls — an accusation leveled at him by one of Epstein’s survivors, the late Virginia Giuffre — the recent Epstein file dump uncovered a picture of him on all fours over a young woman whose face is redacted. It should also be noted that Andrew settled out of court with Giuffre, who was 17 at the time she was allegedly trafficked to him.

Guiffre purportedly committed suicide last year. Her family, upon hearing the news of Andrew’s arrest, released this statement:

At last. Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty. … [Andrew] was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.

Many people, both here in the States and in the UK, see this as hopefully the first of many arrests to come.

Others, such as Daily Wire podcaster Michael Knowles, believe that Andrew is a scapegoat, a sacrificial lamb to whom the elites can point.

There is something to that theory. People are very angry and feel betrayed as they read the contents of the Epstein files. Millennial women believe Epstein was behind the early sexualization of their clothing because of his connection to Les Wexner, owner of Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie and Fitch. Other sleuths believe the files prove that the world is run by a ring of satanic pedophiles.

It goes without saying that every common man and woman believes justice should be served. The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is a good first step, but if he’s the only person to face consequences for his woeful dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, that’s not going to be good enough.

Unfortunately, though, the reality is that the files don’t contain a smoking gun. All they prove is that Epstein was a sick pervert who trafficked underage girls to himself. They are also chock-full of misinformation and hearsay, which sadly means that sweeping criminal indictments for every Epstein-linked reprobate might remain elusive on this side of heaven.