Buckingham Palace says it will support police if contacted over allegations about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The palace also said King Charles had “profound concern” over claims about his brother, in a statement released following revelations in the Epstein files.
Thames Valley Police has said it is assessing claims that Andrew shared confidential documents with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while the former duke served as UK trade envoy.
Andrew denies any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
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A palace spokesperson 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.”
Sky News royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills, said it was an “extraordinary” statement to put out while Prince William is on a diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia.
She said: “The fact it has also come as Prince William embarks on a hugely important trip on behalf of the UK government, trying to cement relationships here in Saudi Arabia, in itself says so much about this statement.
“When royals are on tour, nothing is done to distract from the important business they’re doing on behalf of the UK government, and the fact that Buckingham Palace has now felt the need to put out another statement regarding Andrew, responding for the first time to the latest release of the Epstein files, is absolutely extraordinary.”
She added: “In the past, I think they would have tried to ignore this, but the amount of detail and information that has been exposed in these recent Epstein files means that they simply cannot ignore it.”
