BREAKING

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, the King said the Royal Family would “support” Thames Valley Police in any potential investigations.

“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 says.

“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.”

It comes after Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing a complaint by anti-monarchy group Republic for suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets from Andrew.

Emails released by the US Department of Justice suggest that Andrew shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein at the time he was serving as the UK's trade envoy in 2010 and 2011.

The files show Andrew passing on details from official state visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam, as well as "confidential" details on investment opportunities in Afghanistan.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has come under fire for his links to the convicted paedophile, and was stripped of his royal titles in October last year.

In 2019, Andrew said during the "limited time" he was connected to Epstein, he never saw "any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction".

Appearing or being named in the Epstein files does not indicate any wrongdoing, and the former Duke of York has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with the convicted paedophile.