King Charles Voices 'Profound Concern' Over Andrew's Conduct Amid Epstein Claims
Buckingham Palace has issued a strong statement expressing King Charles III's "profound concern" regarding allegations about his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct. The Palace has pledged to "stand ready to support" Thames Valley Police if approached about claims that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UK's trade envoy with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Police Assessment and Royal Statements
Thames Valley Police has confirmed it is actively assessing allegations that Andrew, during his tenure as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment, forwarded sensitive government documents to Epstein. This development comes amidst a renewed crisis for the monarchy following the recent release of millions of documents by US authorities related to the paedophile financier.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman stated: "The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct. While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect."
The Palace emphasized that "Their Majesties' thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse." To date, Thames Valley Police has not formally approached the Palace regarding these specific allegations.
Wider Royal Family Reaction and Public Scrutiny
In a significant development, the Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time. Kensington Palace released a statement saying they were "deeply concerned" by the "continued revelations" and that their thoughts "remain focused on the victims." This marks the first known expression of their views on the matter.
The King faced direct public questioning about his brother during a visit to Clitheroe train station in Lancashire. A man in the crowd shouted: "How long have you known about Andrew?" prompting boos from other spectators. This incident followed similar heckling during a visit to Dedham, Essex, just days earlier.
Specific Allegations and Historical Context
The latest allegations suggest Andrew shared confidential reports from official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore with Epstein. One email, dated November 2010, was allegedly forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel. Another communication on Christmas Eve 2010 reportedly included Epstein in a confidential brief about investment opportunities in Afghanistan's Helmand Province reconstruction.
These claims add to a string of allegations from the recently released US documents, including suggestions that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew, and that the former prince and Epstein asked an exotic dancer for a threesome in Florida.
Calls for Action and Royal Precedents
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt has called for decisive action, urging King Charles to publicly state that Andrew should testify before US Congress regarding his Epstein links and to support legislation removing his brother from the line of succession. Hunt warned that without such measures, Charles's reign risks being remembered for failing to properly support Epstein's victims.
Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles by the King last year and removed from public life, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He recently relocated from Royal Lodge to the King's private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his new living arrangements through an annual stipend.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The Epstein document release has triggered multiple investigations, including a police probe into Lord Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. Anti-monarchy campaign group Republic's chief executive, Graham Smith, has reported the allegations against Andrew to police.
The Duke of Edinburgh became the first royal family member to publicly comment since the document release, stating last week that it was important to "remember the victims" when asked about coping with the situation.
William and Kate supported the King's decision to strip Andrew of his Prince and Duke of York titles and HRH style in 2022, which effectively ended his public role. This followed the late Queen's earlier actions removing Andrew's honorary military roles after Virginia Giuffre's civil sex case allegations.
Andrew settled the civil case with Giuffre for millions in 2022 while maintaining he had never met her. Giuffre, who alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times, including when she was 17, died by suicide last year.
The ongoing scandal continues to overshadow royal engagements, including Prince William's current solo three-day tour of Saudi Arabia, despite Kensington Palace's attempt to clarify the Wales's position before his important diplomatic mission.
