King Charles III said he will 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 issued the statement after Thames Valley Police confirmed they were reviewing reports that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had sent trade documents to Epstein in 2010. The department oversees the Windsor region, where the former prince lived at Royal Lodge.
The palace noted that King Charles has repeatedly shown, both through public remarks and extraordinary actions, his serious concern regarding the ongoing allegations surrounding Andrew’s conduct.
The statement also said that although the former prince must address the allegations personally, the palace is ready to fully assist Thames Valley Police if investigators reach out.
The investigation arises from information within more than three million pages of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department related to Epstein. Correspondence suggests Andrew provided Epstein with his Southeast Asia travel schedule and later forwarded him reports from the trip.
The former prince undertook the journey in 2010 as the U.K.’s special representative for international trade, traveling to Hanoi, Saigon, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong during the 12-day visit.
Thames Valley Police stated they received a report and are reviewing the information in line with standard protocols. Graham Smith, head of the anti-monarchy group Republic, submitted the complaint alleging potential misuse of public office and breaches of Britain’s Official Secrets Act.
Smith, whose group advocates replacing the monarchy with an elected head of state, compared the case to that of Peter Mandelson, the U.K.’s former U.S. ambassador, who is also under police review for allegedly sharing confidential information with Epstein, as indicated in the Justice Department documents.
The palace also addressed another claim under police examination. On Feb. 1, a U.S. attorney said he represented a woman alleging that Epstein arranged for her to be flown to Britain in 2010 to have sex with Andrew at Royal Lodge.
Prince William and Princess Catherine issued their first public comment on the Epstein disclosures as the scandal continued to intensify around the royal family. A spokesperson said the couple is deeply troubled by the ongoing revelations and remains focused on the victims. The palace also repeated the concerns of King Charles and Queen Camilla for those harmed by Epstein.
The public impact of the scandal became clear during the king’s visit to Lancashire. While most people applauded and waved flags, one person shouted, asking how long he had known about Andrew.
The former prince’s association with Epstein has burdened the royal family for more than a decade. Numerous emails between Andrew and Epstein occurred even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Queen Elizabeth II required her second son to step away from royal duties in 2019 after he attempted to justify his relationship with Epstein during a disastrous BBC interview. Her decision followed rising public anger over his continued ties to Epstein despite the conviction.
King Charles has taken significant measures to separate the monarchy from his brother. He removed 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 move from the royal residence near Windsor Castle, requiring him to leave months earlier than planned. The decision came as public frustration grew over the former prince still benefiting from royal privilege despite not being a working royal.
Andrew is now living on the king’s Sandringham estate, where he will temporarily stay at Wood Farm Cottage.
The Justice Department’s document release is one of the largest public disclosures of investigative files in recent history. The materials reveal extensive information about Epstein’s network of wealthy and influential contacts around the world.
The royal family has endured many scandals over the years, but the Epstein revelations pose distinct challenges. Ongoing document releases mean new information may continue to surface for months, keeping the controversy in the public spotlight.
