King Charles Gave Andrew a Last Courtesy Call Before Backing Police Probe, Claims Expert
According to a royal expert, Charles didn’t blindside Andrew; he gave him a stark warning first.
In a move that marks a significant shift in the monarchy’s handling of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Buckingham Palace recently issued a pointed statement confirming King Charles’ full support for a police investigation into his younger brother. This move follows an announcement by Thames Valley Police that they are assessing claims that the former Prince allegedly shared confidential trade secrets with Jeffrey Epstein. But before the Palace statement was made public, as per royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the King reportedly gave his disgraced brother one last courtesy call to tell him the hammer was about to drop.
The latest announcement signals a firm distancing of the Crown from the embattled ex-Prince. Speaking to the Daily Express, Fitzwilliams opined, “The King’s statement makes it absolutely clear that the Palace will, if required, co-operate fully if the police need to investigate further in matters involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.” He further argued that the situation has “become a crisis for the monarchy.” On February 9, the monarch voiced his 'profound concern' regarding his brother’s conduct. While the Palace maintained that the specific allegations are for the former Prince to personally address, if they are approached by the authorities, the family will provide their full cooperation and support.
Fitzwilliams then followed this up with a much harsher critique. He called Mountbatten-Windsor ‘unbelievably stupid,’ suggesting that the monarch is in no mood to shield his disgraced brother from legal scrutiny. But despite the mounting pressure, he suggests Charles would have delivered an ultimatum before the release, noting, “It is likely the King would have given him advance warning that if he did not either admit guilt, which seems obvious to everyone else, or cooperate, probably with the American authorities if innocent, the Palace would assist prosecution.” But the expert added that it is difficult to predict the former Prince’s next move, who apparently thinks he is a victim in the entire scandal. “One can only guess at how Andrew will respond and what he expects,” Fitzwilliams highlighted, adding, “According to reports, he believes he is innocent and being victimised.”
The claims come after the US Department of Justice released a tranche of 3 million files painting the former Duke of York in a horrific light. It also contradicts his earlier claims that he severed all ties with the disgraced financier in 2010. Instead, emails reveal that their correspondence continued long after that year. As such, the monarch and his heir, Prince William, are said to have accelerated Mountbatten-Windsor’s relocation plans from Royal Lodge, temporarily shifting him to Prince Philip’s retirement home, Wood Farm Cottage. He is said to shift to Marsh Farm, most probably by April, as and when the renovation work gets completed.
While Charles allegedly gave his brother a heads-up before the statement was released, US lawmakers warn that the ongoing controversy could threaten the very survival of the monarchy. Ro Khanna, who spearheaded the Epstein Files Transparency Act, that ultumetly led to the release of millions of documents linked to the late financier, told Sky News, “I think this is the most vulnerable the British monarchy has ever been.”
