Palace Commits to Police Cooperation in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Epstein Investigation
Buckingham Palace has formally pledged its readiness to cooperate fully with Thames Valley Police should they request assistance in their ongoing investigation into allegations concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The investigation centres on claims that the former royal shared confidential information with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Official Statement from the Palace
A spokesperson for the Palace issued a clear statement, saying: "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." This marks a significant public commitment from the institution to support the police inquiry.
The specific allegations under investigation involve claims that Andrew, during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy, improperly shared confidential reports from official diplomatic visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Background and Royal Reactions
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations by his brother, King Charles, last year, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has recently relocated from the Royal Lodge in Windsor to a residence on the Sandringham estate.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also publicly expressed their concerns regarding the situation. A statement from Kensington Palace confirmed they have been "deeply concerned by the continued revelations" and that "their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
Criticism and Public Opinion
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt offered a critical analysis of the royal family's response. He told the Press Association: "The royals are rattled and rightly so, with the statement from William and Kate failing because it contains warm words, but no hard action."
Hunt further warned that King Charles risks having his "reign being remembered as one where the British monarchy failed to properly support Epstein's victims" unless decisive action is taken regarding his brother.
Recent opinion polling indicates the ongoing scandal is having a tangible impact on public sentiment. Support for the monarchy has reportedly fallen by three percentage points to 45 per cent over the past four months, a decline directly attributed to the allegations surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Palace's latest statement represents a clear attempt to demonstrate institutional cooperation with the legal process, even as the personal and reputational fallout within the royal family continues to unfold.
