By Molly Claire Goddard
12:40pm PST, Feb 19, 2026
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According to royal expert
Tom Sykes,
Prince William believes authorities should investigate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ties to
Jeffrey Epstein. "Friends of William have told me that he would have 'no hesitation' in letting it be known that Andrew should face a 'probe' police investigation if he were king, and that he genuinely believes the monarchy cannot remain popular and respected if it does not at least give the appearance of respecting the principle that no man is above the law," he wrote for
The Royalist Substack.
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However,
King Charles III reportedly wasn't as keen on the idea as
Prince William. "By contrast, those close to the King believe he has no desire whatsoever to see his brother [Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor] subjected to a full-blown police inquiry," Tom Sykes wrote. "One former royal staffer put it bluntly: 'The monarchy has shielded Andrew from any accountability for his actions for decades. That's not about to change.'"
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After the U.S. Department of Justice released additional information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's connection to Jeffrey Epstein,
Prince William and
Kate Middleton released a statement. "I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations," the representative said. "Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly giving confidential 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 via
AP. "We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."
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King Charles III addressed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest. "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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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles and evicted from Royal Lodge because of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. "He's coming to terms with the fact he's lost everything that mattered to him: his status, his position in the royal family and military, and to a lesser extent, a fractured family," a source told
The Telegraph.
