Graham Smith, the CEO of Republic, a group against monarchy, is urging King Charles to stop avoiding the media and address concerns regarding his brother’s recent arrest. Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of public office misconduct linked to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Although he was later released pending investigation, no formal charges have been filed.
Reports from the Epstein files suggested that in 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor shared trade information with Epstein while serving as Britain’s special envoy for international trade. Despite Charles releasing a statement pledging support for the police investigation, Smith insists the Royal Family should disclose what they knew about Mountbatten-Windsor’s dealings with Epstein.
Smith, who reported concerns to Thames Valley Police about Mountbatten-Windsor’s involvement in the Epstein files, discussed the matter with As It Happens host Nil Köksal. He believes that without their complaint, the police might not have initiated an investigation into Andrew.
The allegations involving Prince Andrew are distinct from those brought forward by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked to the UK and forced to have relations with him in 2001. Andrew has denied these accusations. Smith hopes that the recent arrest signals a change in how such cases involving the Royal Family are handled, emphasizing the importance of justice for the victims of trafficking.
King Charles, in his statement, assured full cooperation with authorities and previously removed his brother’s titles and privileges. Smith, being part of an anti-monarchy group, views these actions as a defensive measure. He calls for greater transparency from the Royal Family, urging them to open up their records, cooperate fully with investigations, and end the culture of secrecy surrounding the monarchy to prevent further damage to their reputation.
