Buckingham Palace announced Monday that King Charles III will support UK police as they assess reports that Prince Andrew shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes as authorities review allegations that Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew and now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, provided trade-related reports to Epstein in 2010, according to the Associated Press.
Thames Valley Police began examining the matter following media reports citing emails that suggest Mountbatten-Windsor shared details from a Southeast Asia trade trip he undertook while serving as Britain’s special representative for international trade. The ongoing scrutiny adds another layer to the fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has already impacted numerous high-profile figures.
A Palace spokesperson 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 statement continued, “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. As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
The police are also revisiting previous allegations that Epstein flew a young woman to Britain for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010, as reported by the Mercury News.
An anti-monarchy campaigner previously reported the former prince to police on suspicion of misconduct in public office and potential violations of Britain’s Official Secrets Act, citing emails released as part of a large trove of documents from the U.S. Justice Department.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek, “We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures.”
The palace’s statement is the latest effort to distance the royal family from Mountbatten-Windsor as more details emerge from the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation into Epstein. The situation continues to unfold as authorities assess the potential implications of the alleged information sharing.
