Buckingham Palace issued a statement about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor this week (Image: Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images)
King Charles’s “unprecedented” move relating to his younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was “overdue”, an expert has said. Earlier this week Buckingham Palace said it was “ready to support” police as they consider allegations against the former prince.
It came after anti-monarchist group Republic reported Mountbatten-Windsor to Thames Valley Police for suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets over his role as a trade envoy. The King spoke of his “profound concern” surrounding the allegations relating to the former prince and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his Royal titles (Image: Getty)
The previous day Thames Valley Police, which covers Windsor, confirmed it was assessing whether there were grounds to investigate concerns raised by Republic. The group complained after the latest tranche of emails released as part of the Epstein files appeared to suggest Mountbatten-Windsor passed on sensitive information to Epstein as part of his role as a trade envoy.
Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing stemming from his friendship with the disgraced financier. However in October last year he was stripped of his royal titles and honours by his brother.
In a statement earlier this week, the Palace 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.
“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.
King Charles’s statement about his brother was described as ‘overdue’ (Image: Getty)
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Speaking on the Palace Confidential podcast, the Daily Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English branded the move “overdue”. Although she says the Palace has been left in a “very difficult position” by the allegations.
She said: “It is extraordinary and unprecedented. I think it was overdue and I do think we needed to hear more.
“I do think the Palace is in a very, very difficult situation but I think the King went as far as he could in expressing his concern and probably his personal outrage about the allegations his brother is facing.”
The Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden however believes the King could have gone further and ordered the former Duke of York to co-operate with police officers. He said: “You know that he needs to put pressure on him to do so.
“It’s not enough just to say, ‘Oh I’m a bit concerned about this’, you know you’re in charge, do something. You’re in charge, you’re the king.”
The King has faced heckles about his brother while out on recent public appearances. During a trip to Clitheroe one man was heard asking: “How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?”, which was met by boos from the crowd.
It came less than a week after he was also heckled about his brother’s friendship with convicted paedophile Epstein during an official visit to Essex last Thursday.
Buckingham Palace has been approached for a comment.