Amid the ongoing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal and more Epstein files emerging, a royal author has suggested that King Charles could have a “grave concern” over his brother.
Last October, the king, 77, made the decision to initiate a formal process to remove his younger brother’s royal titles and honours amid renewed scrutiny against Andrew.
For years, Andrew, 65, has faced intense scrutiny over his ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has also faced sexual assault allegations, which he has always vehemently denied.
On Friday, the US Department of Justice released three million files relating to Epstein and his crimes. Images in the files appearing to show Andrew with a female have now sparked fresh scrutiny against the former prince.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor images released in new batch of Epstein files
Within the newly-released Epstein files are images appearing to show Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the ground.
In two of the images, he is seen touching the person, who is fully clothed, on her stomach. Another image shows him staring at the camera.
No context has been supplied for the images. It’s also unclear when and where they were taken. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing amid his links to Epstein.
Representatives for Andrew were contacted for comment on the files.
Following the release of the files, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out. He insisted that anyone with information on Epstein should “be prepared” to share that information.
He stated to reporters: “Firstly, I have always approached this question with the victims of Epstein in mind. Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority. As for whether there should be an apology, that’s a matter for Andrew.
“But yes, in terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that. You can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that.”
Fresh allegations against Andrew from second woman
Following the release of the files, a second woman has also come forward alleging she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew.
Speaking to the BBC, the woman’s lawyer, Brad Edwards from the US firm Edwards Henderson, said that after she spent the night with the former prince, the woman claims she was given a tour of Buckingham Palace and had tea.
He already has done everything he possibly could.
The incident allegedly happened in 2010 at Andrew’s Windsor property, Royal Lodge, which he’ll soon be vacating amid the scrutiny surrounding him.
Representatives for Andrew have been contacted for comment on these claims.
King Charles’ ‘grave concern’ over Andrew scandal
Amid all the renewed scrutiny, royal author and commentator Ingrid Seward has spoken out about what the king’s reaction may be.
Ms Seward said the “unbearable pressure” piling on Andrew is “simply not going away”.
She added, in a piece for The Sun: “On the one hand, King Charles may wonder whether he has a moral imperative to tell his brother to do the right thing and reveal everything he knows. But, in reality, he already has done everything he possibly could.”
This includes initiating the process to have Andrew’s titles and honours removed, as well as telling him to leave his Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge.
Andrew facing pressure over US Congress questioning
Ms Seward added: “What must be of grave concern to King Charles is that we already have an indication of how Andrew will perform when — or more likely if — he ever agrees to appear before the US Congress.”
Ms Seward mentioned that Andrew’s BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, in which he attempted to address his links to Epstein, was “the most disastrous PR moment in royal history”. Therefore, Ms Seward said it’s unlikely the royals will want to see a “Newsnight 2.0” play out globally.
There have been calls for Andrew to appear before the US Congress to answer questions about his links to Epstein. He has yet to agree.
Read more: The royal family ‘can’t escape’ latest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘bombshell’
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
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