The King said he supported the police investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein in a statement shared Thursday.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King wrote. “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,” the king’s statement continued. “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”
King Charles emphasized that he remained focused on his role in the monarchy, despite the challenging circumstances his family is facing.
A photograph appearing to show the former royal leaning over a woman was later made public as part of the Epstein files, drawing global scrutiny.
The embattled royal was also accused of sexual assault and rape by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked her to Mountbatten-Windsor. (RELATED: Former Prince Andrew Reportedly In Police Custody In Connection With The Epstein Files)
The former royal has denied all allegations made against him.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in relation to the Epstein Files.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at Sandringham estate Feb. 19, on his birthday, according to The Guardian. The outlet reported that unmarked police cars and plainclothes officers were seen on the estate just after 8:00 a.m.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement, according to The Guardian.
It’s unclear where the former royal is being held.
Windsor, UNITED KINGDOM: Britain’s Prince Charles (L) and Prince Andrew depart after attending the Garter service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, in south-east England, 18 June 2007. Windsor Castle plays host to the annual Order of the Garter Service which celebrates the traditions and ideals associated with the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the oldest surviving order of chivalry in the world. (Photo: Leon Neal/AFP via Getty Images)
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time,” Wright said.
The Thames Valley Police issued a statement saying, “We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk,” according to The Guardian.
“The man remains in police custody at this time.”
Police arrested the former duke of York in his home in England, Feb. 19, the day of his 66th birthday.
This is the first time in modern history that a senior member of the monarchy is arrested on charges of this nature.
Police are examining claims that the former duke of York may have shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time serving as a U.K. trade envoy.
An image of the former royal seemingly leaning over a woman was released as part of the Epstein files and gained worldwide attention.
The scandal-ridden former royal also faced allegations of sexual assault and rape by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that she was trafficked to Mountbatten-Windsor by Epstein. (RELATED: Prince William, Kate Middleton Break Silence On Epstein Files)
Amid the swirling allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, King Charles III formally stripped Prince Andrew of both his “Prince” title and His Royal Highness status in November 2025, reducing him to a private citizen in the eyes of the Crown, and evicted him from Royal Windsor.
Mountbatten-Windsor previously denied the allegations against him.
Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York reacts as he leaves St. George’s Chapel, in Windsor Castle, after attending the Easter Mattins Service, on March 31, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York (L) and Britain’s King Charles III leave following a Requiem Mass, a Catholic funeral service, for the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral in London on September 16, 2025. Britain’s Duchess of Kent, known for her links to the Wimbledon tennis tournament and for anonymously teaching music at a primary school. The duchess, a talented pianist, organist and singer, was born Katharine Worsley into an aristocratic family in Yorkshire, northern England. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
