King Charles, Camilla appear in public after Andrew, Epstein statement

King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their first public appearance after issuing a statement on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as revelations of the former Prince Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein continue.

The royals visited the Turquoise Mountain’s 20th anniversary exhibition at The Garrison Chapel in London on Feb. 11, followed by hosting a reception for caregivers in the United Kingdom at Windsor Castle.

The Independent reported that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is also facing Epstein connected controversy over the appointment and subsequent firing of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, attended the reception.

The appearances follow a Feb. 9 statement issued by a Buckingham Palace spokesperson that said the palace would “support” police if approached.

“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,” the statement read. “As was previously stated, their majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”

In the latest tranche of files released by the Justice Department Jan. 30, emails between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein suggest the then British royal family member shared official British trade documents with Epstein in 2010, leaking information from his then-role as an official government envoy. The leak would have taken place after Epstein’s conviction for child sex crimes.

Thames Valley Police said the issue of communications between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein had been reported to them and that they were assessing whether to investigate formally.

USA TODAY has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment beyond the Feb. 9 statement.

What has the royal family said about Mountbatten-Windsor?

Members of the royal family have made similar public comments as revelations about Mountbatten-Windsor have continued.

Prince William and Princess Kate said through a Kensington Palace spokesperson on Feb. 9 that they were “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations” and that “their thoughts remain focused on the victims.“

Speaking with celebrity.land’s Eleni Giokos at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Feb. 3, Prince Edward, who is Charles‘ youngest sibling, said, “I think it’s all really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this.”

In an Oct. 30 statement when King Charles initiated the formal process of removing Mountbatten-Windsor’s royal titles, the palace said, “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”

“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse,” the statement continued.

What do the Epstein files reveal about the former Prince Andrew?

The documents appear to show that Andrew forwarded Epstein reports about Vietnam, Singapore and other places, which he had been sent in relation to an official trip.

In one of several photos included in the 3 million new Epstein files, Mountbatten-Windsor is seen kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman on the ground.

Despite “vigorously” denying allegations of sexual abuse in connection with Epstein – which include the late Virginia Giuffre‘s claims that Epstein had trafficked her to Mountbatten-Windsor and that the royal family member raped her when she was underage – Mountbatten-Windsor renounced his royal titles in October.

Prior to this, in 2022, his mother – the late Queen Elizabeth II – revoked her second son’s military associations and royal patronages in the wake of Giuffre’s September 2021 lawsuit, which was later settled for an undisclosed sum. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.

Contributing: Kate Perez, USA TODAY; Reuters