King Charles III said he is prepared to cooperate with a police investigation into claims that his brother, the former Prince Andrew, shared confidential trade details with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The palace issued the statement after Thames Valley Police announced they were reviewing reports that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sent trade materials to Epstein in 2010. The police force covers the Windsor area, where the former prince once lived at Royal Lodge.
The palace emphasized that King Charles has repeatedly shown, through public remarks and significant actions, how seriously he views the continuing allegations about Andrew’s conduct.
The statement also noted that although Andrew must personally respond to the accusations, the palace is ready to fully assist Thames Valley Police if investigators reach out.
The investigation originates from information found within more than three million pages of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department during its Epstein probe. Correspondence suggests Andrew sent Epstein details of his Southeast Asia travel plans and later forwarded him reports summarizing the trip.
The former prince completed the tour in 2010 as the United Kingdom’s special envoy for international trade, traveling to Hanoi, Saigon, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong over a 12-day period.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they received a report and are reviewing the material under standard protocols. Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy organization Republic, submitted the complaint alleging possible 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, drew parallels to Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the U.S., who is also under police review for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Epstein, according to the Justice Department documents.
The palace also responded to a separate accusation under police evaluation. On Feb. 1, a U.S. attorney stated he represents a woman who claims Epstein transported her to Britain for sex with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010.
Prince William and Princess Catherine issued their first public remarks on the Epstein disclosures as the scandal continued to surround the royal family. A spokesperson said the couple is deeply troubled by the ongoing revelations and remains focused on the victims. The palace also reiterated King Charles and Queen Camilla’s concern for those abused by Epstein.
The royal family’s exposure to the scandal became evident when the king visited Lancashire. While most attendees applauded and waved flags, one person shouted at him, asking how long he had known about Andrew.
The former prince’s association with Epstein has cast a shadow over the royal family for more than a decade. Numerous email exchanges between the two men occurred even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Queen Elizabeth II removed her second son from royal duties in 2019 after he attempted to justify his relationship with Epstein during a disastrous BBC interview. Her decision followed growing public backlash over his continued ties to Epstein despite the conviction.
King Charles has taken extraordinary steps to create distance between the monarchy and his brother. He revoked Andrew’s right to use the title of prince and required him to leave Royal Lodge.
On Monday, February 2, the king expedited Andrew’s departure from the residence near Windsor Castle, compelling him to leave months earlier than expected. The decision followed rising criticism that the former prince continued benefiting from royal privileges despite no longer serving as a working royal.
Andrew is now living on the king’s Sandringham estate and will temporarily stay at Wood Farm Cottage.
The Justice Department’s document release represents one of the largest public disclosures of investigative records in recent history. The documents outline extensive details about Epstein’s network of influential and wealthy contacts across several continents.
The royal family has endured many controversies over the centuries, but the Epstein allegations pose particularly difficult challenges. As more documents surface, additional revelations are likely in the months ahead, keeping the scandal in the public eye.
