King Charles III has addressed the Epstein files scandal and claims against his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Charles, who stripped the former Duke of York of his remaining royal titles last year, has now made clear his 'profound concern' at allegations about Andrew's conduct, with Buckingham Palace saying it will 'stand ready to support' the police if approached over the claims.
Thames Valley Police has also confirmed it is assessing suggestions that the King’s brother shared confidential reports from his role as the UK’s trade envoy with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The reignited crisis has shown little sign of abating since the US Department of Justice's latest release of over three million documents relating to the disgraced financier Epstein last month (30 January); however, being named or pictured in the files doesn't suggest any wrongdoing.
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A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "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 Prince and Princess of Wales, meanwhile, publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on Monday (9 February), with Kensington Palace saying: "I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations.
"Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
William and Kate also reportedly supported the King’s decision to strip his brother Andrew of his Prince and Duke of York titles and HRH style, according to sources (via ITV News).
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt has called on the King to publicly make clear that Andrew should testify before the US Congress over his links to Epstein, and to support removing his brother from the line of succession.
Hunt told the Press Association: "The royals are rattled and rightly so, with the statement from William and Kate failing because it contains warm words, but no hard action.
"It’s now time for King Charles to make clear publicly that he believes Andrew should testify before US lawmakers and that legislation needs to be passed to remove his brother as eighth in line to the throne.
"If he doesn’t, Charles runs the risk of his reign being remembered as one where the British monarchy failed to properly support Epstein’s victims."
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing and last week finally left Royal Lodge for the King’s private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his new life with an annual stipend.
In 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped her son Andrew of his honorary military roles, and he gave up using his HRH style, following a civil sex case brought by Virginia Giuffre, who died last year from suicide.
Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew, which he denies, including when she was 17, and also during an orgy, after she was trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew paid millions to settle the civil sex case with her in 2022, with no admission of liability, despite previously insisting he had never met her.
Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles III, Royal Family, UK News, US News, Prince Andrew
Rhiannon Ingle