Trump and ex-prince Andrew’s arrest: “I think it’s a shame”

President Trump reacted Thursday to the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince, over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, calling it "very sad."

"I think it's a shame. I think it's very sad. I think it's so bad for the royal family. It's very, very sad. To me, it's a very sad thing," he told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Georgia.

"It's really interesting because nobody used to speak about Epstein when he was alive, but now they speak. But I'm the one who can talk about it because I've been totally exonerated. I did nothing. In fact, the opposite."

The former prince was arrested by British police at his home on suspicion of misconduct in public office after accusations he shared confidential information with Mr. Epstein while serving as a British trade envoy.

King Charles III, whom President Trump called a "fantastic man," confirmed his brother's arrest in a written statement, saying he was monitoring the situation with "the deepest concern."

"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," the British monarch said. "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."