King Charles says he is ready to support police as UK authorities assess fresh misconduct allegations linked to ex-prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, in a case reigniting scrutiny of the monarchy
King Charles III has said he is “ready to support” the police if contacted over fresh allegations involving his brother, ex-prince Andrew, as UK authorities review claims linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that the monarch would cooperate with investigators if asked, after police said they were assessing misconduct allegations stemming from newly surfaced files connected to the late American sex offender.
At the centre of the scrutiny are claims that Andrew, formally known as Mr Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, may have
passed on sensitive information to Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy. The former prince has long denied wrongdoing, but the renewed attention has once again pulled the royal family into an uncomfortable public spotlight.
In a carefully worded statement, the palace stressed the King’s concern about the accusations, while underlining that responsibility for addressing them lies with Andrew himself. “The King has made clear… his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr (Andrew) Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” the statement said.
Police confirmed they are reviewing the material but stopped short of announcing a formal investigation. That review has nonetheless raised questions about whether senior figures could be contacted as part of the process, including the monarch.
Buckingham Palace signalled that, should that happen, cooperation would not be an issue. “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 statement reflects the delicate balance King Charles has sought to maintain since ascending the throne:
distancing the monarchy from Andrew’s controversies while emphasising respect for legal processes.
Andrew stepped back from public duties years ago following his association with Epstein.
Andrew leaves Windsor home
Andrew also vacated his residence in Windsor and relocated to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk last week.
The former prince is currently staying in a temporary property on the Sandringham Estate while renovation work is carried out on his long-term accommodation, as per BBC. It is understood that he will eventually settle at Marsh Farm, also located on the estate.
Buckingham Palace said in October that Mountbatten-Windsor would move out of Royal Lodge at the same time his title of prince was stripped. At the time, a palace statement said that “formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease.” The move followed weeks of scrutiny over the rent being paid to the Crown Estate, which owns the property.
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