The Royal Family have been told they “need to be open and honest” regarding the allegations surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after the release of more than three million documents from the Epstein files.
The monarchy has come under increasing pressure as of late after King Charles’s brother appears to be pictured and mentioned hundreds of times across the files.
His Majesty released a statement on February 9, saying that if Buckingham Palace is “approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect”.
The message made clear the King’s “profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct”.
The Royal Family have been told they ‘need to be open and honest’
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REUTERSThe CEO of Republic, Graham Smith, criticised the statement, telling GB News that it is the “bare minimum you would expect for anybody, let alone the head of state”.
He said: “It’s not really an option as to whether you cooperate with the police. If they’re investigating something, then you cooperate.”
Mr Smith explained to the People’s Channel what he would like to see from the Royal Family in light of the accusations against the former Duke of York.
He said: “They should acknowledge that there are serious problems here and that the police should feel free to investigate and go where the evidence leads, without any concern that there might be any kind of pressure or repercussions from them.
Graham Smith has called for the monarchy to do more than the ‘bare minimum’
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“They have free access to whatever documents they want, and they will publicly share, like what the US authorities are doing and put whatever they can into the public domain willingly.”
Mr Smith believes there should be “no exemptions” with Thames Valley Police’s investigation into the allegations surrounding Andrew, who has always vigorously denied any misconduct associated with Epstein.
“The same kind of scrutiny that has applied to politicians should be applied to them. There should be no expectation of favourable treatment from the police,” he shared.
The King and Queen’s statement came after Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, outlined that they are “deeply concerned by the continued revelations” and “their thoughts remain focused on the victims”.
The King has been heckled on two separate occasions
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PAPrince Edward was the first member of the Royal Family to speak out following the release of the Epstein files, saying: “I think it’s all really important always to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this.”
For Mr Smith, he wants more accountability from the monarchy who he accused of “always seeking to defend themselves”.
He told GB News: “What they should do is be on the front foot and say the following is to happen, which is that they should be subjected to the same laws as everyone else.
“The same kind of scrutiny that has applied to politicians should be applied to them.”
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing
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GETTYThe King and Queen have both come under fire in recent public outings following the allegations surrounding Andrew.
Camilla avoided comment on a reporter’s questions: “Will the Royal Family have the Epstein investigation? Do you have a message for Epstein’s victims, your Majesty?”
While Charles has been heckled on two separate occasions, with the crowd coming to his side during a visit to Clitheroe, Lancashire, drowning out a heckler with boos and calls to “shut up”.
Buckingham Palace’s full statement read: “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.
“While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing, and just appearing in the Epstein files is no sign of misconduct.