The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed that they are “deeply concerned” by the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, issuing their first public response to the revelations. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said Prince William and Princess Catherine are “focused on the victims” following new information contained in documents released in the United States related to the late sex offender. The statement came as fresh allegations involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor surfaced, intensifying scrutiny on the former prince.
“I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations,’’ the palace said in a statement. “Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
The brief, two-line statement from the Prince and Princess of Wales did not directly mention Epstein, Andrew or his former wife Sarah Ferguson, who has also faced renewed questions following the latest document release. Still, its timing and tone were seen as notable, even if not explicit.
It was issued as Prince William prepared to begin an official visit to Saudi Arabia, a trip regarded as diplomatically significant. With headlines around Epstein continuing to dominate news cycles, William and his aides are understood to be acutely aware that scrutiny of the Royal Family’s response is intensifying alongside it.
The statement, issued ahead of William’s three-day visit to Saudi Arabia beginning Monday, forms part of the monarchy’s response to the deepening crisis surrounding the former prince. He was stripped of his royal titles in October following earlier revelations about his ties to Epstein, and King Charles III’s 65-year-old brother is now formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Last week, the King compelled Mountbatten-Windsor to vacate his longtime residence at Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle, speeding up a move first announced in October but not expected to be completed until later this year. He is now staying on the King’s Sandringham estate in eastern England, where he will temporarily reside at Wood Farm Cottage while repairs are carried out on his permanent home there.
(With inputs from AP)
