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The disgraced former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, could be sent to prison if he is convicted of allegations relating to Jeffrey Epstein, which are being investigated by authorities. Thames Valley Police officers are now assessing suggestions that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UK's trade envoy with the late convicted sex offender, Epstein.

Andrew strongly denies any allegation of wrongdoing. Royal biographer, Andrew Lownie, who wrote 'Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York', said the disgraced royal could be charged with misconduct in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for convictions of the offence. There is nothing in the law stopping Andrew from being criminally prosecuted.

However, he also claimed Andrew could flee to another country without an extradition treaty with UK to avoid being charged.

He said: "Assuming the Metropolitan Police and National Crime Agency do bite the bullet and investigate Andrew and they then say there are grounds to charge him, he'll be off to a country without an extradition treaty with UK. The last thing the Royal Family want is a trial airing their dirty laundry and the fact they have ducked dealing with Andrew for years. He was protected by the Queen and that has continued. His royal relative King Juan Carlos scarpered to Dubai as soon as corruption charges levelled against him."

The latest allegation is that Andrew shared confidential reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore in his role as the UK's trade envoy.

Meanwhile, King Charles has made his first intervention in the latest round of revelations in the Epstein scandal, saying Buckingham Palace is ready to support the police as they consider allegations against his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

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"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," a Palace spokesman said.

"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," he said.

Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing whether there are grounds to investigate a complaint by the anti-monarchy group Republic, which reported Mountbatten-Windsor for suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets.

Emails from the recently released batch of Epstein files appear to show the former prince passing on reports of visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam and confidential details of investment opportunities.