King Charles's friend and royal biographer Jonathan Dimbleby has told BBC Newsnight he "would strongly believe" that the monarch "would very much like" his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify in the US in relation to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Last week, Buckingham Palace said it was ready to support the police as they consider allegations against the former Duke of York. Andrew has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Now, the king's friend has dished on Charles's reaction after new informtation about Andrew was released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Thames Valley police said earlier this week they were in discussion with the CPS over allegations of misconduct in public office against the former prince. Andrew's conduct while UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011 has come under scrutiny after emails released in the Epstein files suggested he shared confidential information with the convicted sex offender.

Speaking to Katie Razzall on Newsnight the royal biographer revealed Charles was "appalled by the allegations", adding the king felt pained by the news.

Jonathan remarked: "It would be astonishing if he wasn't concerned. Appalled by the allegations. And, of course, affected as his role as monarch because the headlines are all about this. No institution wants that."

He went on: "[Charles] emotions... he is very good at withstanding pressure. I think he will be feeling the pain of this."

Jonathan suggested the monarch had strong feelings about the issues with Andrew by stripping the former duke of his royal duties and kicking him out of Royal Lodge.

"But he is a brother," Jonathan explained, "now, they may not be that close, but he is nonetheless a brother."

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He continued: "I suspect now that [Andrew] has been banished to an open-prison somewhere on the Sandringham Estate, [Charles] will be sensing to give duty of care.

This man [Andrew] is a broken, finished man at best."

The disgraced former Prince, who is facing increasing pressure to give information about his alleged relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein.

The Royal Family have confirmed they are "ready to support" the police, with a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace saying: "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."