King Charles III said he would support a police inquiry into allegations that his brother, the former Prince Andrew, shared confidential trade information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The palace issued its statement shortly after Thames Valley Police confirmed they were examining claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sent trade materials to Epstein in 2010. The force covers Windsor, where Andrew previously resided at Royal Lodge.
The palace emphasized that King Charles has repeatedly shown, through both public comments and notable decisions, his deep concern regarding the ongoing allegations related to Andrew’s behavior.
The statement added that although Andrew must personally address the accusations, the palace stands ready to cooperate fully with Thames Valley Police should investigators request assistance.
The review stems from information contained in more than three million pages of records released by the U.S. Justice Department during its Epstein probe. Correspondence appears to show Andrew gave Epstein details of his Southeast Asia travel agenda and later sent follow‑up summaries.
Andrew undertook that trip in 2010 as the U.K.’s trade envoy, visiting Hanoi, Saigon, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong during a 12‑day diplomatic mission.
Thames Valley Police said they had received a report and were evaluating it under standard procedures. Graham Smith, leader of the anti‑monarchy organization Republic, submitted the complaint, citing possible misuse of public office and potential breaches of the Official Secrets Act.
Smith, whose group campaigns for an elected head of state, compared the situation to that of Peter Mandelson, the U.K.’s former ambassador to the U.S., who is also being reviewed over allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein based on the Justice Department documents.
The palace also addressed another matter under review. On Feb. 1, a U.S. attorney said he represents a woman who claims Epstein brought her to Britain in 2010 to have sex with Andrew at Royal Lodge.
Prince William and Princess Catherine gave their first public remarks on the Epstein‑related disclosures as the scandal increasingly touches the royal family. A spokesperson said they are deeply troubled by the continuing revelations and remain focused on the victims. The palace similarly reiterated King Charles and Queen Camilla’s concern for those harmed by Epstein.
The royal family’s exposure to the controversy became evident during the king’s trip to Lancashire. While crowds mostly applauded and waved flags, one person shouted a question about how long he had known about Andrew’s situation.
Andrew’s ties to Epstein have weighed on the monarchy for more than ten years. Numerous emails show the two remained in contact even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Queen Elizabeth II removed Andrew from royal duties in 2019 following his widely criticized BBC interview, attempting to defend his relationship with Epstein. Her decision came after public backlash over his continued involvement with Epstein post‑conviction.
King Charles has taken further steps to separate the monarchy from his brother. He stripped Andrew of his right to use the title of prince and ordered him to leave Royal Lodge.
On Monday, Feb. 2, the king accelerated Andrew’s departure from the Windsor‑area residence, requiring him to move out months earlier than planned. The decision followed increasing frustration over Andrew continuing to receive royal privileges despite no longer being an active royal.
Andrew is now living at the King’s Sandringham estate and will temporarily stay at Wood Farm Cottage.
The Justice Department’s document release represents one of the largest public disclosures of investigative records in recent years, offering extensive details about Epstein’s global network of influential contacts.
The royal family has faced many crises, but the Epstein‑related allegations pose unique challenges. Ongoing document releases may produce further revelations in the months ahead, keeping the issue at the forefront.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026—Andrew’s 66th birthday—Thames Valley Police arrested him at approximately 8 a.m. local time on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was questioned for approximately 11 hours at Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk before being released under investigation that evening.
Police confirmed they had given the Home Office 30 minutes’ notice before the arrest, describing this as “routine practice.” The arrest made Andrew the first senior British royal in modern history to be taken into police custody.
Searches were conducted at Wood Farm Cottage on the Sandringham Estate, where Andrew has been temporarily residing, and at his former Royal Lodge residence in Berkshire.
King Charles, who was attending the opening of London Fashion Week when news of the arrest broke, issued a statement saying he had “learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office” and that “the law must take its course.” The king, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne continued with scheduled public appearances throughout the day in what royal observers interpreted as an attempt to project stability.
The late Virginia Giuffre’s family released a statement welcoming the arrest. “At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” her siblings said. “He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.” Giuffre, who became the most prominent Epstein accuser after alleging she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew on three occasions when she was 17, died by suicide in 2025 at age 41. Andrew settled Giuffre’s lawsuit against him in February 2022 for an undisclosed sum while admitting no liability.
The charge of misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the United Kingdom, though actual sentences vary based on the severity of the case. Police said the investigation would continue, free from restrictions. Police said the investigation would continue.