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Anthony Albanese has called the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor an “astonishing fall from grace,” but said the unfolding controversy involving the British royal family would not trigger a fresh referendum on Australia becoming a republic.
Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, was detained overnight on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken to Aylsham police station in Norfolk for questioning over claims that he passed confidential information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, Albanese said the accusations were extremely serious but noted he could not comment in detail due to the likelihood of legal proceedings.
“These are significant allegations and may be subject to court action, so I am limited in what I can say,” he explained. “However, people will be watching developments closely. The issue appears to concern classified documents and whether they were improperly shared with someone not authorized to receive them. There is also a broader issue surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. We will have to see how this unfolds.”
Although Albanese has long supported Australia becoming a republic, he made clear the government has no intention of holding another referendum.
“I support a republic, but we already held a referendum during the last term,” he said, acknowledging that referendums are notoriously difficult to win in Australia.
He also expressed respect for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, noting he has maintained a positive relationship with the monarch, who he said has a strong affection for Australia. Albanese described the King’s recent visit as very successful.
Nonetheless, he reiterated his belief that Australia should eventually have its own head of state.
After the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum failed in October 2023, Albanese ruled out pursuing another referendum during his first term. In July 2024, he removed the dedicated ministerial portfolio for a republic. By last September, he had further indicated that another referendum would not be a priority while he remained prime minister, emphasizing that the government was focused on cost-of-living issues.
On Friday, Albanese described Mountbatten-Windsor’s situation as a dramatic downfall from a position of immense privilege and status.
Mountbatten-Windsor has denied all allegations. Albanese also stated he was unaware of any active investigations in Australia connected to the Epstein case.
