By Molly Claire Goddard
2:59pm PST, Feb 23, 2026
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According to royal journalist
Roya Nikkhah, King Charles III should buck The Firm's tradition of "never complain, never explain" after the public outcry following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest. "Hearing from the monarch in personal, spoken words, rather than Palace statements, would redress that," she wrote for the
Sunday Times. "In times of national crisis,
Queen Elizabeth II understood speaking to us was a reassuring salve. It was a card she rarely played, but after the death of
Princess Diana in 1997 and as the COVID pandemic struck in 2020, her televised addresses settled a rattled public."
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Roya Nikkhah says King Charles III and
Prince William need to personally show the U.K. how disgusted they are with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's friendship with
Jeffrey Epstein. "Their [Charles and William's] written statements issued within hours of each other on Monday, expressing 'profound' and 'deep concern' for Epstein's victims, have not quelled disquiet. Nor has stripping Andrew's titles and relocating him to Norfolk extinguished public revulsion," she wrote.
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When Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody, King Charles III addressed the problem head-on. "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," he said via
People. "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. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. 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."
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Prince William and
Kate Middleton spoke out against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after the U.S. Department of Justice released more information about the former Duke of York's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. "I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims," their spokesperson said via
People.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office — while he was serving as U.K. trade envoy — for allegedly giving information to Jeffrey Epstein. "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office," Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright confirmed in a statement. "It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."
