King Charles' 'grave concern' over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'dilemma' following new Epstein files
The king has previously taken action over his brother amid scrutiny surrounding himKing Charles may have “grave concern” over the ongoing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal following the release of more Epstein files, a royal author has claimed.
The king, 77, took action last October as he initiated a formal process to remove his younger brother’s royal titles and honours amid renewed scrutiny against Andrew.
Andrew, 65, has faced scrutiny for many years because of his links to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sexual assault allegations have also been made against Andrew, which he has always vehemently denied.
On Friday, three million files relating to Epstein and his crimes were released by the US Department of Justice. Images in the files appearing to show Andrew have now sparked fresh scrutiny against the former prince.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor images released in new batch of Epstein files
Within the newly-released Epstein files are images appearing to show Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the ground.
In two of the images, he is seen touching the person, who is fully clothed, on her stomach. Another image shows him staring at the camera.
No context has been supplied for the images. It’s also unclear when and where they were taken. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing amid his links to Epstein.
Royal Insider contacted representatives for Andrew on the files. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Following the release of the files, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out. He insisted that anyone with information on Epstein should “be prepared” to share that information.
He stated to reporters: “Firstly, I have always approached this question with the victims of Epstein in mind. Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority. As for whether there should be an apology, that’s a matter for Andrew.
“But yes, in terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that. You can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that.”
Fresh allegations against Andrew from second woman
Following the release of the files, a second woman has come forward alleging she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew.
Speaking to the BBC, the woman’s lawyer, Brad Edwards from the US firm Edwards Henderson, said that after she spent the night with the former prince, the woman claims she was given a tour of Buckingham Palace and had tea.
He already has done everything he possibly could.
The incident allegedly happened in 2010 at Andrew’s Windsor property, Royal Lodge, which he’ll soon be vacating amid the scrutiny surrounding him.
Representatives for Andrew have been contacted for comment on these claims.
King Charles’ ‘grave concern’ over Andrew scandal
Amid all the renewed scrutiny, royal author and commentator Ingrid Seward has spoken out about what the king’s reaction may be.
Ms Seward said the “unbearable pressure” piling on Andrew is “simply not going away”.
She added, in a piece for The Sun: “On the one hand, King Charles may wonder whether he has a moral imperative to tell his brother to do the right thing and reveal everything he knows. But, in reality, he already has done everything he possibly could.”
This includes initiating the process to have Andrew’s titles and honours removed, as well as telling him to leave his Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge.
Andrew facing pressure over US Congress questioning
Ms Seward added: “What must be of grave concern to King Charles is that we already have an indication of how Andrew will perform when — or more likely if — he ever agrees to appear before the US Congress.”
There have been calls for Andrew to appear before the US Congress to answer questions about his links to Epstein. He has yet to agree to the questioning.
However, Ms Seward mentioned that Andrew’s BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, in which he attempted to address his links to Epstein, was “the most disastrous PR moment in royal history”. Therefore, Ms Seward said it’s unlikely the royals will want to see a “Newsnight 2.0” play out globally.
Read more: The royal family ‘can’t escape’ Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandal as ‘new bombshell’ looms
She said that what Andrew or the king decide to do next amid the scandal remains an “unsolvable dilemma”.
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
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