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By Gabe Whisnant and Jack Royston
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Buckingham Palace said Monday that King Charles III would support British police as they assess reports that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The statement followed confirmation from police that they are reviewing allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor sent trade-related reports to Epstein in 2010.
Thames Valley Police said it began examining the matter after media reports cited emails suggesting Mountbatten-Windsor provided Epstein with details from a Southeast Asia trade trip he took that year while serving as Britain’s special representative for international trade.
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In a statement shared with Newsweek, a Palace spokesperson said, "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 continues, "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."
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An anti-monarchy campaigner, Graham Smith, said earlier that he had reported the former prince to police on suspicion of misconduct in public office and potential violations of Britain’s Official Secrets Act, citing emails among more than 3 million pages of documents released last month by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson told Newsweek: “We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures.”
Epstein Files Release Fallout in UK
The release of the DOJ documents has renewed scrutiny of Mountbatten-Windsor, as journalists have identified dozens of email exchanges between him and Epstein, many occurring after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Further intensifying the controversy, a U.S.-based attorney said February 1 that he represents a woman who alleges Epstein transported her to Britain to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor. The attorney told the BBC that the alleged encounter occurred at Royal Lodge, the former prince’s longtime residence in Windsor.
Smith, whose organization, Republic, campaigns to replace the monarchy with an elected head of state, likened Mountbatten-Windsor’s correspondence with Epstein to earlier disclosures involving Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the United States. Mandelson is already under police investigation over whether he shared sensitive information with Epstein, allegations that also emerged from documents released by the DOJ.
“I cannot see any significant difference between these allegations and those against Peter Mandelson,” Smith said on social media.
Meanwhile, the odds of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer losing his job over the furor surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein are rising, according to betting platforms and prediction markets.
The chances of Starmer stepping down as prime minister before March 1 have gone up to 23 percent on Kalshi, a major prediction market.
Why Did King Charles Evict Prince Andrew?
King Charles III forced his brother to leave Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle amid growing public and political pressure over Mountbatten-Windsor's continued association with royal privileges despite no longer carrying out official duties. The decision accelerated a move announced months earlier but not expected to be completed until later this year.
Criticism had intensified over concerns that Mountbatten-Windsor was still benefiting from a crown-owned property funded by taxpayers while remaining embroiled in controversy over his ties to Epstein. Royal Lodge is part of the Crown Estate, while Andrew’s temporary new residence on the king’s privately owned Sandringham estate does not involve public funds.
Earlier Monday, Prince William and Princess Catherine released their own statement saying they have been “deeply concerned” by recent revelations.
When Was Prince Andrew Stripped of His Title?
Queen Elizabeth II removed her second son from public royal duties in 2019 and required him to step back from his charitable roles after a widely criticized BBC interview in which he attempted to defend his relationship with Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his remaining royal titles and military affiliations in 2025 amid scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein.
Although he retains his family name, now styled as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, he no longer uses the “His Royal Highness” title and does not represent the monarchy in any official capacity. Buckingham Palace has said decisions regarding his status were made to protect the integrity of the royal family and maintain public trust.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 2/9/26, 5:06 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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