King Charles III said he intends to cooperate with a police investigation into claims that his brother, the former Prince Andrew, shared sensitive trade details with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The palace’s announcement followed confirmation from Thames Valley Police that they are reviewing allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sent trade documents to Epstein in 2010. The department has jurisdiction over Windsor, where the former prince once lived at Royal Lodge.
The palace statement stressed that King Charles has made clear, through public remarks and significant actions, his profound concern regarding the persistent accusations about Andrew’s conduct.
The statement also noted that although the former prince must respond to the specific claims himself, the palace is ready to fully assist Thames Valley Police if investigators reach out.
The inquiry arises from information found in more than three million pages of records released by the U.S. Justice Department during its Epstein investigation. Correspondence appears to indicate that Andrew provided Epstein with his Southeast Asia travel schedule and later sent him follow-up trip summaries.
The former prince undertook the journey in 2010 as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy, stopping in Hanoi, Saigon, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong during the 12-day mission.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they have received a report and are reviewing it according to established protocols. Graham Smith, head of the anti-monarchy group Republic, filed the complaint alleging possible misuse of public office and breaches of the Official Secrets Act.
Smith, whose group advocates for replacing the monarch with an elected head of state, likened the situation to that of Peter Mandelson, the U.K.’s former ambassador to the U.S., who is also under police review for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Epstein, based on the Justice Department files.
The palace also commented on another claim under review. On Feb. 1, a U.S. lawyer said he represents a woman who alleges Epstein transported her to Britain to have sex with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010.
Prince William and Princess Catherine issued their first public response to the Epstein disclosures as the scandal increasingly involved the royal family. A spokesperson said the couple is deeply troubled by the ongoing revelations and remains focused on the victims. The palace similarly reiterated King Charles and Queen Camilla’s concern for those abused by Epstein.
The royal family’s exposure to the scandal became clear during the king’s visit to Lancashire. While most people applauded, cheered, and waved flags, someone shouted a question at him about how long he had known about Andrew.
The former prince’s ties to Epstein have burdened the monarchy for more than a decade. Numerous emails between the two continued even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Queen Elizabeth II removed her second son from royal duties in 2019 after his disastrous BBC interview attempting to justify his friendship with Epstein. Her decision followed public outrage over his ongoing association with Epstein despite the conviction.
King Charles has taken extraordinary actions to further distance the monarchy from his brother. He revoked Andrew’s right to use the title of prince and compelled him to vacate Royal Lodge.
On Monday, February 2, the king hastened Andrew’s exit from the residence near Windsor Castle, requiring him to leave months earlier than expected. The move came as frustration grew over the former prince continuing to benefit from royal privileges despite no longer serving as a working royal.
Andrew is now living on the king’s Sandringham estate and will stay temporarily at Wood Farm Cottage.
The Justice Department’s release constitutes one of the largest public disclosures of investigative files in recent years, detailing extensive information about Epstein’s network of influential contacts across the globe.
The royal family has endured many controversies, but the Epstein allegations pose distinctive challenges. Ongoing document releases could lead to additional revelations for months, keeping the issue in the spotlight.
