Content warning: This story includes references to sexual abuse and suicide.
Buckingham Palace says it's ready to support any police investigation into King Charles' younger brother after emails suggested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor might have shared confidential British trade documents with Jeffrey Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor, already cast out of the royal inner circle over his close relationship with Epstein, has faced fresh scrutiny since the recent publication of millions of new documents relating to the late US sex offender.
"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," a palace spokesperson said.
In the latest files released in the United States, emails suggest Mountbatten-Windsor shared official British trade documents with Epstein in 2010, after Epstein's conviction for child sex crimes, leaking information from his then-role as an official government envoy.
The documents appear to show that Andrew forwarded Epstein reports about Vietnam, Singapore and other places, which he had been sent in relation to an official trip. Trade envoys are usually barred from sharing sensitive or commercial documents.
The 65-year-old second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II has always denied any wrongdoing and has not responded to requests for comment since the latest release of Epstein files.
In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor settled a lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager, through her association with Epstein. Giuffre died by suicide last April.
Earlier this month, a second woman alleged Epstein sent her to the UK to have sex with the former prince. It came after an image in a fresh trove of Epstein files showed him crouching over an unidentified woman lying on the floor.
Thames Valley Police said the issue had been reported to them and that they were assessing whether to formally investigate.
The palace added: "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."
The king's son Prince William and his wife Kate said on Monday they were deeply concerned by the continuing Epstein revelations, in another pointed message from the royal family.
"Their thoughts remain focused on the victims," their spokesperson told reporters ahead of the prince's arrival on a high-profile trip to Saudi Arabia.
New allegations against Andrew
Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to quit all official royal duties in 2019 over his ties with Epstein and, in October, King Charles removed his title of prince. Last week, he was forced to move out of his royal mansion.
While the royal family has sought to distance itself from Mountbatten-Windsor, he remains a thorn in their side.
"Charles, how long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?" a man shouted from the crowd as the king arrived in Clitheroe, northern England, the second time he had been heckled in a week.
Last week, police also said they were reviewing a new allegation against Andrew, triggered by the latest files, involving a woman being taken to an address in Windsor near London, where he has lived on the royal estate.
Over the past 10 days, revelations from the files have also engulfed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in what is widely viewed as the biggest crisis of his premiership for having appointed Peter Mandelson, an acquaintance of Epstein, as ambassador to the US.
Like Andrew, it appears that Mandelson also shared sensitive government files from 2009 and 2010 with Epstein, and police are investigating claims of misconduct in public office.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.
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