The King has made clear his ‘profound concern’ over the allegations against his brother
Tom Burnett Content Editor
17:59, 09 Feb 2026Updated 18:02, 09 Feb 2026
The King in Clitheroe today(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The King has made clear his “profound concern” at allegations over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct and will “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims, Buckingham Palace said.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “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.
“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 Palace has not so far been approached by Thames Valley Police over claims that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UK’s trade envoy with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
As the King arrived at Clitheroe train station on Monday morning to greet crowds at the start of an awayday to Lancashire, a man shouted: “How long have you known about Andrew?”
The rest of the crowd booed after the question was asked.
Just hours later, Thames Valley Police confirmed it was assessing claims that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UK’s trade envoy with sex offender Epstein.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt called on the King to publicly make clear that Andrew should testify before US congress over his links to Epstein, and to support removing his brother from the line of succession.
Mr Hunt told the Press Association: “The royals are rattled and rightly so, with the statement from William and Kate failing because it contains warm words, but no hard action.
“It’s now time for King Charles to make clear publicly that he believes Andrew should testify before US lawmakers and that legislation needs to be passed to remove his brother as eighth in line to the throne.
“If he doesn’t, Charles runs the risk of his reign being remembered as one where the British monarchy failed to properly support Epstein’s victims.”
Andrew, who was stripped of his titles by the King last year, has always denied any wrongdoing and last week finally left Royal Lodge for the monarch’s private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his new life with an annual stipend.
The King also faced heckling on a visit to Dedham, Essex, last week when a man shouted: “Charles, Charles, have you pressurised the police to start investigating Andrew?”
In Clitheroe, other people wore Union flag hats to greet the King, and one brought a Corgi puppy to meet him.
The crowd cheered as Charles waved goodbye before getting into a car.