Stephen Colbert Celebrates Prince Andrew's Arrest

The Late Show host cheers 'British justice' over former royal's misconduct charges

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Stephen Colbert opened his late-night show by celebrating the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British royal known as Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Colbert noted that while the charges are not related to allegations of sexual misconduct, the arrest represents accountability for the powerful figure's actions.

Why it matters

The arrest of the former Prince Andrew represents a rare instance of a high-profile public figure facing legal consequences, particularly in contrast to the lack of accountability for powerful individuals with ties to the Epstein scandal in the United States.

The details

Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, was arrested on Thursday morning by Thames Valley Police. The charges are related to recent revelations that he sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010, rather than the ongoing allegations of sexual misconduct. Colbert noted that while this arrest is not about pedophilia charges, it represents a 'seriously willful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office held' by the former royal.

  • Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday morning.
  • He was stripped of his royal titles by King Charles III in October 2022.
  • Earlier this month, the British monarch forced his brother to vacate his longtime home at Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle.

The players

Stephen Colbert

The host of The Late Show, who celebrated the arrest of the former Prince Andrew.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The British royal formerly known as Prince Andrew, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

King Charles III

The British monarch who stripped his brother Andrew of his royal titles in October 2022 and forced him to vacate his longtime home.

Virginia Giuffre

One of Jeffrey Epstein's most prominent accusers, who alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew as a teenager. Giuffre died by suicide last April.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president, who Colbert joked had a 'Board of Peace' that operates like 'a strip club' where 'cash only and Donald Trump will never leave.'

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What they’re saying

“Let's hear it for British justice, which is better than American justice because it comes with frilly wigs.”

— Stephen Colbert, Host, The Late Show (The Late Show)

“At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty. On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the U.K.'s Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”

— Giuffre Family (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor out on bail.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the stark contrast between the accountability faced by powerful figures in the UK versus the lack of consequences for those with ties to the Epstein scandal in the United States, underscoring the need for equal justice under the law regardless of one's status or connections.