Buckingham Palace says it is ready to support the police in any Andrew probe as King expresses his ‘profound concern’
Buckingham Palace stands ‘ready to support’ police in any investigation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The King issued an unprecedented statement expressing his ‘profound concern’ at mounting allegations against his brother last night as the royal household stated it would, if asked, ‘support’ a police inquiry.
The development came as detectives probed new claims that Andrew leaked confidential data to Jeffrey Epstein when he was the UK’s trade envoy.
Hours earlier, the Prince and Princess of Wales made their first public comment on the scandal, saying they were ‘deeply concerned by developments’ and their ‘thoughts remain focused on the victims’.
The intervention, which could pave the way for a full criminal investigation into the former prince, followed a statement by Thames Valley Police confirming that it has widened its inquiry into alleged wrongdoing following a complaint by anti-monarchy group Republic.
Last week the force announced that it was assessing separate allegations, also filed by Republic, that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew in 2010, mirroring claims made by the late Virginia Giuffre in 2014.
The former duke has not addressed the new allegations but has always denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with Epstein, or knowledge of his sex crimes.
Pressure had been mounting on the King to make a fresh statement following the release of three million Epstein documents by the US Department of Justice (DoJ).
King Charles expressed his ‘profound concern’ about the revelations surrounding Andrew following the release of the Epstein files
A photo from the Epstein files appears to show Andrew leering over an unidentified woman in what looks to be Epstein’s New York home
The files have provided a wealth of evidence regarding the extent of Andrew’s close relationship with the predatory billionaire.
This includes emails appearing to show that he shared confidential reports and investment opportunities with Epstein while working as a trade envoy in Asia from 2010 to 2011, after the disgraced financier was released from prison on child sex offences.
Buckingham Palace said last night: ‘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.
‘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.’
It also reiterated the statement released on His Majesty’s behalf last year – the first by any senior royal – in relation to Epstein’s victims: ‘As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.’
It is understood that the Palace has not yet been approached by police but was keen to signal its willingness to cooperate.
The statement is not thought to refer to earlier allegations regarding Andrew’s sexual conduct, including claims that a second woman was trafficked by Epstein for sex with him at Royal Lodge.
Emails released by the DoJ suggest the former prince shared reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore while he was a trade envoy.
Prince William, Andrew and Kate outside Westminster Cathedral on September 16 last year. The couple also released a statement saying they were ‘deeply concerned’ with the disgraced former prince today
Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein walk together in New York’s Central Park on December 5, 2010
Thames Valley Police is investigating after Andrew was reported for suspected misconduct in public office and a potential breach of the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum life sentence.
A November 2010 email was forwarded by the former duke just five minutes after being sent by his then-special advisor, Amit Patel.
On Christmas Eve the same year, Andrew allegedly looped Epstein in on a brief about investing in the reconstruction of Helmand province in Afghanistan.
The King’s brother was working as a trade envoy at the time, conducting meetings and talks for more than a decade until 2011. The messages were sent two years after Epstein was convicted for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Thames Valley will have to determine whether Andrew can be classified as a ‘public officer’ for the latest allegations to be taken forward. Sources said it would have to seek legal advice and disclosure from the Government of any documents he signed to determine whether he committed an offence.
A spokesman for the force said it was assessing the information in line with its normal procedures.
Yesterday Dai Davies, former head of royal protection, said he had been calling for Andrew to ‘face prosecution for six years’ and urged police to act.
Scotland Yard is investigating Peter Mandelson over claims that he sent market-sensitive information to Epstein during the financial crisis. He denies any wrongdoing.
