Tuesday, 10 February 2026 — London In a rare and striking development, Buckingham Palace issued a major statement related to the ongoing Epstein‑linked controversy surrounding former Prince Andrew, breaking with decades‑old convention by releasing the message as senior members of the royal family were engaged in high‑profile diplomatic activities abroad.
The unprecedented statement from the palace underscores the deepening reputational challenge facing the British monarchy as new allegations about Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s conduct continue to surface. The palace said King Charles III “has made clear his profound concern” regarding the allegations, and that the institution stands ready to assist UK police if formally approached in connection with claims that the former royal shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing a report related to that matter, marking an escalation of scrutiny for the once‑prominent figure.
Royal commentators described the decision to make the statement at this moment as extraordinary, noting that traditionally, Buckingham Palace refrains from issuing responses that could overshadow significant diplomatic engagements by the senior royals. The timing coincides with Prince William’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, making the palace’s intervention all the more remarkable.
The controversy stems from the release of millions of pages of documents connected to Epstein, which have reportedly included emails suggesting Andrew sent sensitive reports to Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy. Andrew has denied wrongdoing, but Monday’s palace message marked a public break from previous silence. King Charles and Queen Camilla, the statement said, remain focused on supporting victims of abuse while emphasising that any specific allegations are for Andrew himself to address.
The palace’s readiness to cooperate with police if approached signals a willingness to engage with legal authorities at a level that was once unthinkable for matters involving senior royals. Historically, internal royal issues have been managed privately to preserve the institution’s neutrality and dignity. The shift towards a more transparent posture reflects the seriousness with which Buckingham Palace views the latest developments.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also issued their first public comments on the issue, expressing “deep concern” over ongoing revelations and emphasising sympathy for victims. Their statement, released through Kensington Palace, focused on compassion and support for those affected by the Epstein scandal rather than specifics about Andrew’s conduct.
Public reaction has been swift and varied. Some commentators praised the palace’s move as necessary and overdue, while others questioned whether it might further entangle the monarchy in legal and political controversies at a sensitive moment for national and international diplomacy.
Critics of the palace said the statement’s timing could divert attention from substantive diplomatic work and risked conflating royal role with legal processes still in their early stages. Supporters, however, view the declaration as a sign that the monarchy is adapting to modern expectations of accountability and cooperation with law enforcement.
As the week progresses, political figures and legal experts will likely weigh in on the implications of the palace’s position and what it means for the future of the monarchy’s relationship with the state and public accountability.
