Majority of Britons think King Charles should encourage Andrew to testify about Epstein scandal

Calls are mounting for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence to US police

Most of the British public believe King Charles should encourage Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence in relation to the Epstein files, according to a new poll.

Andrew has been at the centre of further scandal after the latest tranche of documents relating to disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein were released last month.

When asked if the King should make his brother give evidence to US police, an overwhelming 82 per cent of respondents believed that he should, according to the YouGov poll conducted for Sky News.

Only 6 per cent believe that he should not encourage him. The survey, conducted on over 2000 members of the British public, is thought to be the first test of public opinion since the latest release.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was a friend of both Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein (PA) (PA Wire)

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William have all been heckled while on public appearances since the controversy.

But it appears that a significant number of people (45 per cent) believe that the King has done all he can to distance himself from his brother. A further 39 per cent of respondents believed he could be doing more. Only 35 per cent believed the King should make an official apology to Epstein’s victims, while 45 per cent believe he should not.

Andrew was forced to move out of the Royal Lodge last week and is expected to live on his brother’s Sandringham Estate. A majority of people, 63 per cent, disagreed with the move and believe he should not be allowed to live on the grounds.

Thames Valley Police has already revealed that it is assessing claims that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein during his role as trade envoy.

King Charles has expressed ‘profound concern’ about the allegations surrounding his brother (Getty Images)

Emails appear to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore in 2010.

One email, dated November 2010, was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then special adviser, Amir Patel.

He appeared to loop Epstein in on a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Christmas Eve of 2010.

Among the released documents were pictures of Andrew crouching over a person lying on the floor, while he touches her abdomen. The photos were undated and uncaptioned.

Other emails appear to show a legal letter in which it is claimed that Andrew asked an exotic dancer for a threesome at the late paedophile’s Florida home, wishing he were still a “pet” in Epstein’s family, and asking the sex offender if it was “good to be free” after being released from prison for child sex offences.

Pictures appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor crouched over an unidentified woman (US Department of Justice)

Emails from Epstein show the financier asking Andrew to arrange for “private time” after an invitation to have dinner at Buckingham Palace.

Andrew was stripped of his royal honorifics including both his HRH style and princed title. He was forced to step down from royal duties in 2019.

He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing throughout the furore.

King Charles is reported to have expressed “profound concern” about the allegations surrounding his brother.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said earlier this week: “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.”