King Charles Backs Police Probe into Andrew’s Epstein Ties

LONDON

King Charles III has publicly thrown his weight behind a police assessment into fresh allegations concerning his younger brother, Prince Andrew, as new details linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to reverberate through British politics and the royal family.

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that the King has expressed “profound concern” about recently released documents suggesting that Prince Andrew may have shared confidential material with Epstein while serving as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment more than a decade ago. The palace said that, should law enforcement decide to open a full criminal investigation, the monarchy will fully cooperate and support the process.

The independent police force responsible for parts of the south of England, Thames Valley Police, has begun assessing material submitted by campaigners and anti-monarchy activists who alleged that confidential government reports were forwarded to Epstein in 2010 and 2011. Police have not yet announced whether the assessment will lead to a formal investigation, but the force confirmed that the initial review is underway.

In its statement, Buckingham Palace underscored that the King’s priority is to back the rule of law and assist authorities as appropriate. The monarch’s remarks also stressed sympathy for victims abused by Epstein and a commitment to transparency, a notable shift from earlier royal responses to the ongoing controversy.

The situation marks a dramatic escalation of a saga that has dogged Prince Andrew for years. The Duke of York, stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in late 2025, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. He agreed to a financial settlement in a U.S. civil case related to abuse allegations, but the newly disclosed records have reignited scrutiny over his past conduct and judgment.

Among the most troubling disclosures are email exchanges included in a large tranche of documents released as part of ongoing litigation connected to Epstein’s estate. Those messages appear to show Prince Andrew forwarding reports from a UK government trade mission to contacts connected with Epstein, raising questions about breaches of confidentiality and possible violations of the Official Secrets Act.

The emergence of these documents has drawn swift reactions across Westminster and beyond. Political leaders from major parties welcomed the palace’s statement backing police assessment but urged clarity and accountability. Conservative Party figures called for answers from government offices about how confidential material was handled and whether national security was compromised.

Meanwhile, senior members of the royal family outside Buckingham Palace have also weighed in. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales issued a brief message expressing their concern over the revelations and reiterating support for all victims of abuse. Their comments highlighted the discomfort the affair has caused within the institution and its efforts to project unity and moral authority.

Public reaction has been sharply divided. Critics of the monarchy have welcomed Charles’s affirmation of support for law enforcement as a step toward accountability, while some royal commentators argue that the palace had little option but to acknowledge the serious nature of the allegations and the political pressure they have generated.

Anti-monarchy group Republic, which first reported the matter to police, said it was “encouraged” by the palace’s statement and called for a full independent investigation. Republic also reiterated its long-standing argument that senior royals should be subject to the same legal accountability as other public figures.

The unfolding developments come against a backdrop of broader debates in Britain about privilege, transparency, and public trust in institutions. For King Charles, whose reign has faced multiple tests since ascending the throne, the decision to support cooperation with police represents a clear message about the monarchy’s willingness to engage with judicial processes, even when they touch the royal family itself.

Thames Valley Police have said they will not comment on the substance of the assessment or speculate on potential outcomes. The force said its review is ongoing and that it will issue updates “as appropriate” under law.

As the story continues to evolve, attention in London and across the Commonwealth will be focused on how police handling of the matter intersects with broader questions of royal accountability and institutional integrity. What began as a quiet assessment could yet become one of the most significant royal controversies in recent memory, with implications that reach beyond Buckingham Palace and into the heart of British public life.

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