NewsBeat
King Charles Speaks Out After Brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Arrest
King Charles has spoken out after his younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested, saying the “law must take its course”.
The former Duke of York is currently being held in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew, who turns 66 today, has always denied any claims of wrongdoing in connection to dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and any allegations against him.
His arrest comes after the US Congress released as huge dossier of information about Epstein at the end of last month, which prompted British police to look into claims against the former prince.
The King said there must be a “full, fair and proper process” and that the “law must take its course.
His full statement reads:
I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.
UK police officers have been assessing claims that Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year, passed confidential government information to Epstein when he was a trade envoy more than a decade ago.
Thames Valley police have been looking into allegations that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with the former Duke of York back in 2010.
The monarch made his support for the ongoing police probe clear, saying: “The law must take its course.”
The woman in question is not believed to be British, and was in her 20s at the time. Her lawyer claimed she was allegedly then given tea and a tour of Buckingham Palace.
The specifics of the allegations being investigated by the police are still under wraps, and it remains unclear what information prompted the arrest.