King Charles III spoke out for the first time amid the release of additional documents in the Jeffrey Epstein files tied to his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Charles said Buckingham Palace is prepared to assist the police with any investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor, who was recently stripped of his titles, including “prince.”
A trove of files recently released by the U.S. Justice Department in connection with Epstein includes references to business giants, Hollywood figures and politicians, as well as additional information about Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein — including claims that he shared confidential material with Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy.
“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,” said a Buckingham Palace spokesperson in a statement on Monday.
“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,” the statement continued. “As was previously stated, their majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Following the most recent batch of Epstein files, which were released last month, a staggering 82% of the British public believe Charles should make Mountbatten-Windsor give evidence to the police, according to a YouGov poll.
Andrew stripped of royal titles
In October, following a formal move initiated by King Charles, Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of all his royal styles, titles and honors amid heightened scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein. He has repeatedly denied all allegations stemming from his link to Epstein.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” said a statement from Buckingham Palace at the time.
Charles’ motion to strip Mountbatten-Windsor of all titles came just two weeks after the controversial former prince announced he would voluntarily give up his royal titles over his connection to the Epstein scandal, while stating that he would continue to “vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
In November 2019, Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his role as a working royal for the “foreseeable future,” he said in a statement at the time. He noted that his entanglement in the Epstein scandal had become a “major disruption” to the royal family and its “valuable work.”
Since stepping down, Mountbatten-Windsor has made no public appearances other than a handful of family events, such as funerals and birthdays.
William and Catherine are ‘deeply concerned’
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been “deeply concerned” about recent revelations related to the late financier and sex offender, said a Kensington Palace spokesperson on Monday.
“I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations,” a royal spokesperson said, per the BBC.
“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Prince William is currently visiting Saudi Arabia with the intention of strengthening delicate ties between Britain and the Arab kingdom. He has not directly addressed renewed scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor or emerging allegations involving Mountbatten-Windsor’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, and her alleged connection to Epstein.