Albanese Calls Former Prince Andrew’s Arrest ‘Extraordinary Fall From Grace’

While the prime minister lamented Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, he ruled out any move to accelerate Australia’s transition to a republic.

In this photo illustration, a statement from His Majesty King Charles III via communications at Buckingham Palace pledges his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" to the "appropriate authorities" in response to the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office in London, England on Feb. 19, 2026. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labelled the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor an “extraordinary fall from grace,” but indicated the latest turmoil around the British royal family would not reignite debate over Australia becoming a republic.

Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, was detained on Feb. 19 in the UK on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released after being held for almost 12 hours, without charge but “under investigation.”