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The relationship between King Charles and his brother Andrew has reportedly never been great, but considering Andrew’s recent arrest, it’s likely the worst it has ever been. Charles is, after all, the head of an institution that depends on good public perception. Andrew, who was mentioned in the Epstein Files and arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office, is a liability in that regard. It’s in the best interest of the crown to maintain its distance.
But now reports indicate that things might go beyond that, as the King is allegedly not willing to follow in his siblings’ footsteps and check in on Andrew’s mental state, with insiders saying there is “no chance whatsoever” Charles will extend his brother that olive branch.
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A source told The Daily Mail: “The hard reality is that the King may never speak to Andrew again,” adding, “It would take an enormous shift in the King’s thinking for them even to be in the same room.
“The fact that Edward has now visited Andrew and that Anne has spoken to him too might appear to suggest that Charles might be contemplating some kind of rapprochement — but that’s completely wrong,” they explained. “They were never close as brothers in the first place, with tensions between them which long predate the Epstein scandal.”
And that doesn’t even go into the specifics. “While in the context of the Epstein case the King feels that he was lied to and that’s not easy to forgive,” the source added. “And Charles is not just a brother in this situation but also the King – and in that capacity he has to protect the monarchy above all other considerations, even personal ones.”
There are legal considerations for the King, as well. “One must remember, if Andrew is charged and there were conversations with the King, his lawyers could say they are important and, as a result, try to call Charles to give evidence — which His Majesty cannot do, as the case is brought in his name, Rex v Mountbatten-Windsor. It would collapse.”
King Charles released a statement after Andrew’s arrest, but has not said anything else about the subject. The statement read, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
He added, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
The source explained, “The unequivocal advice he has been given in regard to Andrew is that he is damaging the monarchy, ‘so the King has to completely disassociate himself both publicly and privately from him.”
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