Buckingham Palace released a statement on Monday evening expressing the King’s ‘profound concern.’
The King has made clear his “profound concern” at allegations over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct and will “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims.
Andrew, 65, is accused of sexually assaulting women who were allegedly trafficked by Epstein, claims he has always denied. The former Duke of York’s name has appeared numerous times in the latest batch of documents released last month by US investigators looking into Epstein’s crimes, reports the Mirror.
Among them are claims that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew, and that Andrew and Epstein had asked an exotic dancer for a threesome in Epstein’s Florida home.
United States authorities have repeatedly urged Andrew to speak to them, while Prime Minster Keir Starmer has also called on Andrew to give any evidence he knows of Epstein’s crimes Today Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing a complaint that Andrew passed on reports gathered during his role as a trade envoy on trips to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
An email from November 2010, was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special advisor, Amir Patel. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor made the visits in his capacity as trade envoy in late 2010, conducting meetings and trade talks.
Additionally, on Christmas Eve 2010, Andrew discussed a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan with Epstein.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said tonight: “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.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
The Palace has not so far been approached by Thames Valley Police over claims that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UK’s trade envoy with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Palace has not so far been approached by Thames Valley Police over the claims which relate to Andrew’s time as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment.
The Prince and Princess of Wales meanwhile publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time on Monday, with Kensington Palace saying they were “deeply concerned” at the “continued revelations” and that their thoughts “remain focused on the victims”.