Republic CEO Graham Smith urges King Charles to step out of the shadows and address the media directly instead of relying on written statements regarding his brother’s recent arrest.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of public office misconduct connected to his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was subsequently released pending further investigation, with no formal charges or exoneration announced.
Law enforcement had been examining claims from the Epstein files suggesting that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential information with Epstein in 2010 while serving as Britain’s trade ambassador.
In response, King Charles issued a written assurance of the Royal Family’s complete cooperation with the police inquiry. However, Smith contends that mere statements are insufficient, insisting that the public deserves transparency regarding what the Royal Family knew about Mountbatten-Windsor’s interactions with Epstein.
Smith, who alerted Thames Valley Police about Mountbatten-Windsor’s involvement in the Epstein files, conversed with As It Happens host Nil Köksal. Here are excerpts from their discussion.
How do you perceive the impact of your complaint on today’s arrest?
I believe that without our complaint, the authorities might not have initiated an investigation into Andrew.
Historically, law enforcement has been hesitant to probe into Royal matters unless prompted by specific allegations.
When were you made aware of his arrest?
I learned of it concurrently with the public announcement.
It was quite unexpected. I anticipated a more preliminary approach, such as a search at his residence and questioning, rather than an immediate arrest.
Graham Smith, CEO of the anti-monarchist group Republic. (Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)
While the allegations remain unproven and no charges have been filed, could you elaborate on the evidence from the Epstein files that led to your complaint?
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