Fresh scrutiny surrounding former Prince Andrew’s past dealings has prompted a rare and pointed response from King Charles, as British police assess new allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
According to Fox News, the monarch addressed the situation Monday after Thames Valley Police confirmed they are reviewing claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared confidential information connected to his former role as a U.K. trade envoy with the late financier.
In a statement released to People magazine, the palace made clear the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.
“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,” the statement said.
The palace emphasized that the specific claims are for Andrew to answer, but stressed that cooperation would be forthcoming if authorities request it.
“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 added.
Police confirmed to Fox News Digital that they are reviewing the information as part of their standard process.
“We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures,” a spokesperson said.
The renewed attention follows the release of files connected to investigations into Epstein.
According to the BBC, those documents suggest Andrew knowingly shared sensitive material with Epstein between 2010 and 2011, a period when Andrew served as a special trade envoy.
Emails cited in the report allegedly show Andrew forwarding details of official trade trips to Singapore, Vietnam, Shenzhen in China and Hong Kong to Epstein. In at least one instance, Andrew is said to have passed along reports from his assistant to Epstein just minutes after receiving them himself.
The allegations have raised questions about whether Andrew’s royal status blurred the line between public responsibility and private relationships.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner said the circumstances could potentially invite further legal examination.
“The anti-monarchy group Republic may potentially have a case if there was delivery of confidential business information evaluated by Andrew to Epstein’s aide just 5 minutes after the former Prince received them himself,” Turner told Fox News Digital.
Turner also claimed additional allegations are circulating within royal circles.
“New allegations are swirling around in Royal circles that Andrew had many offshore businesses and accounts making him in reality a very wealthy man,” he said, adding that “Pitch@thePalace Global Ltd.” was among the ventures in which Andrew was a major beneficiary.
He warned that the monarchy’s efforts to maintain stability could face continued strain.
“The well-oiled Royal clean machine image they are wishing to portray is coming apart at the seams,” Turner said.
A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales echoed the concern, telling the BBC: “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations.”
“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims,” the spokesperson added.
