King Charles broke his silence on Thursday after his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested following the surfacing of his name in the Jeffrey Epstein files. In a statement issued by the Royal Family, Charles expressed deep concern over the development and assured British authorities of full and wholehearted support and cooperation during the legal process and further investigation.
The situation intensified after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) released over three million Epstein-related files in its final tranche, exposing links between the convicted child sex abuser and several powerful individuals. The files reportedly include more than 2,000 videos and over 1.8 lakh photographs.
Charles' statement read, "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."
About Andrew's arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince who was previously stripped of his royal titles due to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. However, concerns about his association with the late financier have followed the Royal Family for over a decade.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his 60s from Norfolk in eastern England was arrested and remains in custody. The force did not officially identify the suspect, in line with standard British procedures, but referred to its earlier statement when asked whether Andrew had been detained.
Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, had recently moved to King Charles III's estate in Norfolk after being evicted from his longtime residence near Windsor Castle earlier this month.
Thames Valley Police had earlier said it was "assessing" reports that Mountbatten-Windsor sent confidential trade reports to Epstein in 2010 while serving as Britain's special envoy for international trade. These allegations stem from correspondence included in the recently released US Justice Department documents.
"Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office," Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said. "We understand the significant public interest in this case and will provide updates at the appropriate time."
The arrest followed the circulation of images online that appeared to show unmarked police vehicles and plainclothes officers outside Wood Farm, Mountbatten-Windsor's residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Andrew and Queen Elizabeth II
In 2019, the late Queen Elizabeth II forced her second son to step back from royal duties and end his charitable work after a widely criticised BBC interview in which he attempted to explain his ties to Epstein.
Further details about the relationship surfaced in a book published last year. King Charles later removed his right to use the title of prince and directed him to vacate his residence.
Last week, Buckingham Palace announced its readiness to cooperate in the event of a formal police inquiry into Mountbatten-Windsor's links to Epstein.
The pressure intensified after the US Justice Department released millions of pages of documents revealing the extent of their association and indicating that correspondence continued even after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges in New York and later died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial.
