What did Buckingham Palace say on 10 February?

Buckingham Palace said King Charles is ready to support police as they assess claims about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. It signalled cooperation and respect for due process. The statement did not imply any finding. Andrew denies wrongdoing, and no formal outcomes have been announced at this stage.

Has a criminal investigation been opened?

No. Police are assessing information to decide whether a formal investigation is warranted. An assessment is a preliminary review. It can lead to no further action or to an investigation if thresholds are met. During this period, the Palace has offered cooperation, and Prince Andrew denies the allegations.

How could this affect UK markets?

The main impact is sentiment. UK‑focused equities, GBP, and gilt yields may move on headlines, then stabilise as facts emerge. Political bandwidth can shift, influencing near‑term policy messaging. Investors should expect short, news‑driven volatility rather than lasting changes to earnings or macro trends unless new facts appear.

What should retail investors in GB do now?

Avoid trading on rumours. Wait for verified statements or filings. Keep positions modest, use clear risk limits, and consider staggered entries to reduce timing risk. Diversify across sectors and geographies. Track GBP, gilts, and UK‑exposed equities for signals, and recalibrate only when new, confirmed information arrives.

Law and Government

King Charles February 10: Palace Backs Police Review of Andrew Claims

ByDanny Kontos February 10, 2026

King Charles is backing a police assessment into claims that Prince Andrew shared confidential trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein, according to a Buckingham Palace statement on 10 February. Andrew denies wrongdoing. The Palace says the King stands ready to support any inquiries. For UK investors, this carries reputational and political risk that can sway sentiment and policy attention. We set out the confirmed facts, the policing process, and the likely market channels to watch as this sensitive story develops for a GB audience.