Anthony Albanese described Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest as an “extraordinary fall from grace” but said the latest crisis facing the British royal family would not prompt another referendum on Australia becoming a republic.
Andrew, King Charles III’s brother, was arrested overnight on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
He was taken to Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk for questioning over allegations he shared confidential material with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In his first comments about the arrest, Albanese told the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast that Mountbatten-Windsor lived with absolute right.
“These are very serious allegations, and they are, no doubt, subject to court action, so I am limited to what I can say,” the Prime Minister said.
“But people follow the details here. It almost seems like it [classified] Documents and inappropriately forwarded to ineligible persons. However, there is also a bigger problem when it comes to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. No doubt, let’s wait and see where this all goes. “
Despite his long-standing support for an Australian republic, Albanese said the government was not planning another referendum.
“I’m a republican but last term we had a referendum. Referendums are very difficult to pass in Australia,” the Labor leader said.
“I have respect for King Charles and Queen Camilla, I must say. I have a good relationship with him. He loves Australia very much. And his visit here, I must say, was very positive.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that I think it must [eventually] Be an Australian head of state.”
Albanese said Mountbatten-Windsor suffered “a most extraordinary fall from grace … from one who held such an honored position and was truly in a position of absolute privilege.
“It’s extraordinary to see this decline and fall.”
Mountbatten-Windsor has denied all the allegations against him.
Albanese said he was not aware of an ongoing inquiry or investigation in Australia related to Epstein’s disclosures.
