LONDON (AP) King Charles III has expressed his readiness to support UK police as they investigate claims that the former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, provided confidential information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming this on Monday, underscoring the King's profound concern regarding these renewed allegations.
The investigation by Thames Valley Police centers on reports that Mountbatten-Windsor sent trade reports to Epstein in 2010. Furthermore, the police are scrutinizing allegations that Epstein arranged for a young woman to travel to the UK for a purported sexual encounter with the former prince, also occurring in 2010. The police indicated they are actively assessing these claims as part of their established procedures.
In response to the allegations, Buckingham Palace 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." The palace has indicated willingness to cooperate with the police if they reach out, which aligns with expectations regarding royal support in legal matters.
This declaration represents the latest move by the palace to distance the royal family from Mountbatten-Windsor. The recent release of over 3 million pages of documents from the U.S. Justice Department related to Epstein has fueled additional scrutiny and embarrassment for the royal family. Earlier in the day, Prince William and Princess Catherine also shared their “deeply concerned” feelings regarding the ongoing revelations.
The palace reiterated the royal couple's ongoing concern for the victims of Epstein's abuse, stating, "Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse." This public stance aims to address heightened anxieties regarding the association between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein, which has troubled the royal family for over a decade.
King Charles's efforts to manage the crisis became evident during a visit to Lancashire, where he faced public scrutiny; one individual shouted, “How long have you known about Andrew?” Such interactions highlight the growing tension and demands for accountability concerning the royal family’s connection to Mountbatten-Windsor.
Concerns over Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein have been persistent ever since his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, mandated that he cease royal duties and charitable work in 2019. Following a disastrous BBC interview where he attempted to defend his friendship with Epstein, further scrutiny led to Charles stripping him of his title and forcing him to vacate a royal residence near Windsor Castle.
Newly released documents have raised further questions about his relationship with Epstein, including numerous email exchanges between them, some occurring after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly sent Epstein trade reports from a Southeast Asia tour he conducted as Britain’s trade envoy in 2010.
Additionally, a U.S.-based attorney claimed representation of a woman alleging that Epstein trafficked her to Britain for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor, which reportedly took place at Royal Lodge, his former residence. This allegation is also under police examination.
The palace's actions come amid mounting pressure for transparency regarding Mountbatten-Windsor’s past. Following a report by Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy group Republic, who alleged that Mountbatten-Windsor abused public office and violated Britain's Official Secrets Act, a parallel has been drawn between his case and that of Peter Mandelson, a former ambassador already under police investigation.
The ongoing turmoil has led to Charles compelling Mountbatten-Windsor to vacate Royal Lodge earlier than planned, amid rising public dissatisfaction with his living conditions, which many believe unfairly afforded him privileges associated with his royal status. Currently, Mountbatten-Windsor is residing temporarily at Wood Farm Cottage on Sandringham estate while repairs at his permanent residence are underway. Unlike Royal Lodge, which is owned by the crown, Sandringham is privately owned by King Charles.
