Princess Beatrice 'in tears' over infamous Andrew moment she 'helped organise'

The former Duke of York was yesterday arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid heightened scrutiny of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

Princess Beatrice was reportedly "left in tears" following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's notorious Newsnight interview, which she is said to have "helped organise". The younger brother of King Charles was arrested yesterday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He has since been released under investigation whilst police continue their search of his former residence, Royal Lodge. The King expressed his "deepest concerns" upon learning of the arrest and emphasised that the "law must take its course".

This development comes as Beatrice, along with her sister Princess Eugenie, could potentially "disappear from public life" in the wake of the arrest. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggests the sisters may lose their charity work due to the scandal.

Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has come under increased scrutiny recently. The ex-prince has faced a barrage of allegations after the US Department of Justice disclosed millions of documents as part of the so-called Epstein files.

This isn't the first time Andrew has been scrutinised over his relationship with Epstein. In 2019, he participated in a now infamous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, reports the Express.

The intense questioning turned into a disaster, leading to Andrew withdrawing from public duties and being stripped of his military affiliations and HRH titles.

Beatrice, aged 37, was an "unexpected guest" when Andrew met with several Newsnight staff to discuss the revealing interview. Former producer Sam McAlister penned a memoir about the interview, which served as the basis for the Netflix hit, Scoop.

She revealed that Beatrice posed "sensible questions" about the suggestions from Newsnight staff and later sympathised with the princess as her father "discussed his relationship" with Epstein, who passed away in prison in August 2019.

As per the Mail on Sunday, Beatrice hosted a birthday dinner for her then-fiancé, now husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shortly after the interview was broadcast. The source mentioned she was "quite tearful at times".

They added: "In fact, Beatrice has been in tears every day since the interview went out."daily-mirror-icon_news_royals_newsnight

In the meantime, another source informed the publication: "Both Sarah and Andrew rely on Beatrice's judgement a lot when it comes to dealing with the public as she's got an old head on young shoulders. You can't really blame Beatrice because I think the odds were stacked against her on this one."

The Newsnight interview featured Andrew making assertions about his inability to sweat and reminiscing about a family outing to Pizza Express in Woking. Andrew also claimed he "ceased contact" with Epstein after becoming aware he was "under investigation" in 2006.

Andrew later visited Epstein in December 2010. He asserted he went with the "sole purpose" of informing the businessman it was "inappropriate to be seen together".

However, it has recently come to light that Andrew and Epstein remained in touch. He subsequently sent an email to the disgraced financier stating: "Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!!"

The duo are reported to have corresponded via email until 2011. The former duke has consistently refuted any misconduct stemming from his association with Epstein.

Whilst officers continue examining his previous residence, more than 30 vehicles, including two police cars, are reportedly stationed outside the Sandringham Estate this morning. Journalists have meanwhile assembled at the entrance to Wood Farm, where Andrew relocated after being instructed to vacate Royal Lodge.

Following his brother's arrest, the King stated: "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."