King Charles III issues a formal response following the arrest of Prince Andrew
King Charles has issued an urgent statement on the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Image: File.
King Charles III has issued a formal statement following the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew).
The arrest happened on Mountbatten-Windsor's 66th birthday and follows an investigation into whether he shared confidential government documents with the late Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Emails reportedly show Mountbatten-Windsor forwarding sensitive reports on investment opportunities and official visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Afghanistan to Epstein, often just minutes after receiving them from government advisers.
"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," said King Charles through a statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Thursday, February 19.
"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.
“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," His Majesty continued.
The statement that was issued by the Buckingham Palace.
Image: Instagram.
Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales have reportedly given their full support for the King's decision to let the legal process proceed without Palace interference.
Meanwhile, Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody for questioning at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where he had been living since being stripped of his royal titles and his "His Royal Highness" status since October last year.
While he has consistently denied all wrongdoing in the past, he has not yet released a personal statement regarding these specific criminal allegations.