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NEED TO KNOW
King Charles and Queen Camilla made their first appearance since Buckingham Palace released a major statement about the former Prince Andrew
The King and Queen visited an exhibition in London on Feb. 11
Buckingham Palace confirmed this week that it would cooperate with police if approached about a potential investigation involving Andrew
King CharlesandQueen Camillaare stepping out for the first time since Buckingham Palace said it would cooperate with police if approached about a potential investigation involving the formerPrince Andrew.
On Feb. 11, the King, 77, and Queen, 78, paid a joint visit to the new Turquoise Mountain exhibit at The Garrison Chapel in London as the charity commemorates its 20th anniversary. It doubled as their first official outing since the palacereleased the seismic statement earlier this week.
Andrew, 66, is the King's younger brother, and the palace statement addressed his "conduct" for the first time since he and his ex-wife,Sarah Ferguson, were mentioned numerous times in the latest tranche of files released by the U.S. Department of Justice relating to the investigation of the late Jeffrey Epstein on Jan. 30.
The palace statement began, "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."
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"As was previously stated, Their Majesties' thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse," it closed.
The update came after it emerged that the Thames Valley Police was investigating a complaint alleging that Andrewshared confidential informationrelated to his role as a trade envoy with Epstein. The complaint was raised by the anti-monarchy group Republic, and the Thames Valley Police confirmed to theBBCthat it had received the complaint and was assessing whether there were grounds for an investigation.
The former Duke of York, now called Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, served as the U.K.'s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011 and allegedly shared confidential documents with Epstein during that time. Andrew's relationship with the American financier and convicted sex offender, who died while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges in August 2019,set his step back from public life in motionlater that year. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
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In November 2010, Andrew apparently forwarded Epstein anemailcontaining reports from his trips to Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China in his role as a trade envoy. Anotheremailthat Andrew sent Epstein in December 2010 said a "confidential brief" was attached about investment opportunities in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.
Confidentiality is expected from the British government's trade envoys. According to the BBC, official guidance about the job stipulates that "the role of a Trade Envoy carries with it a duty of confidentiality in relation to information received. This may include sensitive, commercial, or political information shared about relevant markets/visits."
"This duty of confidentiality will continue to apply after the expiry of their term of office. In addition, the Official Secrets Acts 1911 and 1989 will apply," it said.
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Andrewstepped back from his working royal rolein November 2019 following aBBC Newsnight interviewin which he discussed his ties to Epstein. Queen Elizabeth stripped her son of hismilitary titles and patronagesin January 2022, after a judge rejected his attempt to have Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre'ssexual assault lawsuitagainst him dismissed. Andrew has repeatedly denied Giuffre's allegations andreached a settlementwith her in 2022; she died by suicide at age 41 in April 2025.
In October of last year, Andrew announced that he wasrelinquishing use of his royal titles and honorsbefore the publication of Giuffre's posthumous memoir,Nobody's Girl. The book drew new attention to her allegations that Epstein trafficked her to Andrew and emails leaked in Octoberalso showed that Andrew was in contact with Epsteinafter he had claimed to have ended the relationship.
Later that month, the Kinglaunched the process of removing his brother's royal style, titles and honorsin atransition made officialon Nov. 3.
The latest release of Epstein files has sparked new scrutiny of Andrew and Ferguson's links to the disgraced financier, withPrince William,Kate MiddletonandPrince Edwardall breaking their silence on the Epstein filesin recent days.
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King Charles' Oct. 30 announcement about stripping Andrew's princely title emphasized that he and Queen Camilla "wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."
The Queen has long made supporting the survivors of sexual and domestic abuse a top priority of her royal work.
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