Economist Podcasts – The Intelligence

Episode: "The arrest is history: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor"

Date: February 20, 2026
Host: Jason Palmer

Episode Overview

This episode delivers in-depth analysis of three major stories:

• The unprecedented arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, son of Queen Elizabeth II, amid fresh allegations connected to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
• The deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, exploring the geopolitical and economic risks for the Gulf region and beyond.
• A reflective obituary on Jesse Jackson, tracing his civil rights legacy and impact on American politics.

Segment 1: The Arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

[01:06 – 07:14]

Main Theme

The British monarchy faces turmoil as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is arrested and investigated under allegations tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case, marking a historically rare and disruptive event.

Key Points & Insights

• No Charges Yet:
  Andrew was arrested but has not been charged; the Crown Prosecution Service is still assessing evidence.
  “The investigation is ongoing and the Crown Prosecution Service will assess the evidence to decide whether a charge can be brought forward in time.” – Sonny Loughran [03:23]

• Nature of Investigation:
  Epstein files from the US Department of Justice suggest Andrew, while serving as Britain’s trade envoy, shared confidential documents with Epstein – a violation of the Official Secrets Act.
  “They appeared to show Andrew, during his time as Britain's trade envoy, passing confidential documents to Jeffrey Epstein, which isn't allowed.” – Sonny Loughran [03:40]

• Historical Rarity:
  A royal arrest is nearly unprecedented; last member convicted was Princess Anne (2002, for a dog bite), and not since Charles I in 1649 has a senior royal faced such legal threat.
  “The last time the son of a monarch was arrested was in 1685… Unlike Andrew, who is eighth in line, the last proper royal to be detained was Charles the First…beheaded in 1649.” – Sonny Loughran [04:34]

• Legal Gravity:
  Misconduct in public office is difficult to prosecute, but if convicted, the maximum sentence is life.
  “The vast majority of those convicted for misconduct in public office are prison guards and police officers. No politician or high level public official has ever been convicted.” – Sonny Loughran [05:09]

• Symbolism & Fallout:
  The arrest is seen as "the law taking its course" and possibly a sign of progress in how power is held to account. Yet, it’s a damaging public spectacle for the monarchy.
  “None of the powerful Americans implicated in the Epstein files have yet been arrested. The son of Queen Elizabeth II has.” – Sonny Loughran [05:31]

• Ongoing Investigations:
  British police may pursue further allegations about Epstein trafficking women to royal properties, and whether Andrew’s aides or even Queen Elizabeth II helped facilitate or cover up misconduct.
  “Police are still assessing whether to investigate separate allegations that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked a woman to the Royal Windsor Estate to have sex with Andrew. And there are big questions about just how much Andrew's aides and security officers knew and enabled his relationship with Epstein.” – Sonny Loughran [05:55]

Notable Quotes

• On historical significance:
  “It's really an event without precedent.” – Sonny Loughran [02:59]

• On the monarchy’s vulnerability:
  “Republicans certainly sense an opportunity and they're quite optimistic that this scandal threatens the institution of monarchy itself.” – Sonny Loughran [06:33]

• On scandal and monarchy:
  “Scandal is a feature of monarchy, not a bug. So I think we should be careful with the idea that any one scandal can really damage the monarchy in the way abolitionists hope.” – Sonny Loughran [06:45]

Segment 2: The Saudi–UAE Feud

[07:33 – 14:54]

Main Theme

A deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two Gulf powerhouses, is reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics and business landscapes.

Key Points & Insights

• Origins of the Spat:
  Divergent approaches to regional conflicts, especially Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia; personal tensions between leaders Mohammed bin Salman (Saudi Arabia) and Mohammed bin Zayed (UAE).
  “The Saudis have become increasingly frustrated with the UAE because the UAE has been supporting rebel groups and separatist movements…” – Greg Karlstrom [08:12]

• Strategic Differences:
  The UAE is willing to work with effective separatist/rebel factions; Saudi prefers strong central governments and is more open to Islamists than UAE.
  “The UAE hates Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood… Saudis are more willing to work with Islamists.” – Greg Karlstrom [08:36]

• Personal Rivalries:
  Former allies, Saudi’s MBS now seeks regional primacy, which the UAE’s leadership resents.
  “MBS thinks Saudi Arabia…should be calling the shots…and MBZ resents taking orders.” – Greg Karlstrom [09:16]

• Economic Impact:
  $31bn in annual bilateral trade is at risk. Border holdups and visa issues are emerging.
  “I've heard from diplomats…stories of trucks being held up at the border coming into Saudi Arabia…companies in the UAE that can't get Saudi visas…” – Greg Karlstrom [09:53]

• Clash in Yemen:
  Formerly allies in Yemen, the Saudis and Emiratis now back opposing factions; in December, Saudi jets carried out airstrikes against UAE-backed separatists.
  “In December Saudi jets bombing an arms shipment from the UAE in Yemen was the first direct conflict between these two countries.” – Greg Karlstrom [11:46]

• Regional Instability Risks:
  Competing Saudi and UAE interests threaten to destabilize the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia vs. Eritrea) and Syria, where the two support rival factions.
  “The concern is that this won't stay limited to the Gulf, that in a region that is already quite unstable, this conflict…will have consequences elsewhere.” – Greg Karlstrom [13:38]

• Slim Hopes for Reconciliation:
  Mediation by Qatar and others has stalled; leaders haven’t spoken since December.
  “There's been a flurry of diplomacy…They don't seem to have made any progress.” – Greg Karlstrom [14:12]

Notable Quotes

• On economic risks:
  “Executives are starting to draw up contingency plans in case things get worse.” – Greg Karlstrom [10:29]

• On direct military clashes:
  “Saudi jets bombing an arms shipment from the UAE in Yemen was the first direct conflict between these two countries.” – Greg Karlstrom [11:46]

Segment 3: Obituary – Jesse Jackson

[16:17 – 22:55]

Main Theme

Remembering the legacy of Jesse Jackson, civil rights champion, preacher, and political trailblazer whose vision for an inclusive America influenced generations.

Key Points & Insights

• Trauma and Resolve:
  Jackson was witness to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and immediately sought to carry on his legacy.
  “He was the Last person to hear King say anything…there was going to be a resurrection. And he implied that he was going to be the man in charge of it.” – Ann Roe [16:43]

• Presidential Campaigns:
  Twice ran for president (1984, 1988), first Black man from a major party, advocating for social welfare and a diverse, united America.
  “His other great vision was of America as a great rainbow, a huge diverse nation in which everybody ought to be working together, especially all those poor and dispossessed.” – Ann Roe [17:46]

• Personal Narrative:
  Raised in deep poverty, he drew on family imagery (quilts) to symbolize inclusivity and community.
  “She would take any old patches…to make a wonderfully warm and embracing, ever expanding blanket to keep the family warm.” – Ann Roe [18:35]

• Enduring Legacy:
  Laid groundwork for Obama; stressed love over resentment, even as newer movements emerged.
  “He liked to think of his heart as full of boundless love that could win everyone over.” – Ann Roe [20:34]

• Critiques and Self-Perception:
  Often viewed as self-promotional, but never stopped campaigning for equality. His lifelong mission inspired him even in old age.
  “The comfort he had…was that he felt God had not finished with him yet.” – Ann Roe [22:52]

Notable Quotes

• On political vision:
  “Prefer the human race to the nuclear race.” – Ann Roe, quoting Jackson’s platform [17:19]

• On legacy and heartbreak:
  “From that moment, he had really never stopped campaigning. But still, that resurrection he had wanted to see had not come to pass.” – Ann Roe [22:32]

Memorable Moments & Soundbites

• "It's really an event without precedent." – Sonny Loughran [02:59]
• "Scandal is a feature of monarchy, not a bug." – Sonny Loughran [06:45]
• “Saudi jets bombing an arms shipment from the UAE in Yemen was the first direct conflict between these two countries.” – Greg Karlstrom [11:46]
• "Prefer the human race to the nuclear race." – Ann Roe [17:19]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrest: 01:06 – 07:14
• Saudi–UAE Diplomatic Crisis: 07:33 – 14:54
• Jesse Jackson Obituary: 16:17 – 22:55

Conclusion

The episode deftly unpacks the historical arrest of a senior British royal and its implications, reveals the high-stakes tension between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and closes with a heartfelt look at Jesse Jackson’s life and legacy. Through its characteristic measured analysis and rich historical perspective, The Economist contextualizes each story as part of larger political and social trends – underscoring how personal actions, shifting alliances, and the legacies of visionaries can ripple through history.