Prince William and Princess of Wales address Jeffrey Epstein scandal for the first time focusing on victims during press engagement in Riyadh as new files emerge

The Prince and Princess of Wales have finally broken their silence on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, expressing that they are “deeply concerned” and emphasizing that their “thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

The comments came as Prince William traveled to Saudi Arabia for an official visit, signaling a rare moment where the younger royals publicly addressed a major controversy linked to the Royal Family.

This intervention stands in sharp contrast to Prince Andrew’s ongoing defiance amid mounting evidence of his close ties to Epstein, the convicted child sex offender.

The timing is significant, coming just 10 days after the release of new documents revealing disturbing details of Epstein’s activities and his network of abuse.

Official Statement and Focus on Victims

During a press briefing in Riyadh, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said, “I can confirm the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

These words echo earlier public statements made by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who last October became the first senior royals to openly express support for those harmed by Epstein and his associates.

Their statement read, “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

William and Kate’s remarks mark a deliberate effort to continue this line of support for victims, contrasting sharply with Prince Andrew, who has consistently avoided expressing empathy or signing off on statements acknowledging the suffering of Epstein’s victims.

Andrew’s Controversial Silence

The former Duke of York has faced intense scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.

Despite his repeated claims of having cut ties with the financier, newly surfaced emails paint a different picture.

While Andrew told BBC viewers he stayed only four days at Epstein’s New York residence in December 2010, the documents reveal he actually spent nine days there, during which Epstein organized a packed schedule of parties, meetings, and even a “facial” cosmetic treatment.

More troublingly, some emails from that period reference young women who appear to be of school age.

One email notes that a girl “would come after school,” while another mentions someone “will come after school,” though it is unclear whether these refer to the same person.

These revelations continue to fuel criticism that Andrew misrepresented his actions and downplayed the seriousness of his association with Epstein.

Following these revelations, Andrew has had his royal titles stripped and lives in relative isolation at his Norfolk estate.

Legal pressures and public condemnation remain intense, particularly from the victims who accuse him of involvement in Epstein’s crimes.

The Broader Royal Response

While Prince Andrew has remained largely silent, other members of the Royal Family have repeatedly emphasized the importance of centering the victims.

Most recently, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, was asked about the issue during a press event in Dubai at the World Government Summit.

Though initially hesitant, he acknowledged, “I think it’s all really important always to remember the victims and who are the victims in all of this.”

Epstein’s network, which drew in the world’s elite, came to a head with his death in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.

His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted and is serving a prison sentence for recruiting underage girls for Epstein.

The scandal has continued to cast a shadow over the Royal Family, particularly Andrew, whose ties to Epstein and Maxwell have had lasting legal and reputational consequences.

What’s Next?

The focus now is on accountability and transparency.

William and Kate’s public support for victims signals a commitment to aligning the Royal Family with ethical responsibility, at least among the younger generation.

For Prince Andrew, legal challenges are ongoing, with potential civil cases in the United States still looming.

Media scrutiny and public debate over the role of the royals in the Epstein saga are unlikely to fade anytime soon.

Observers are also watching whether William and Kate will continue to speak out on sensitive issues and set a precedent for a more empathetic and accountable monarchy in the face of scandal.

Summary

Prince William and Princess Kate have finally addressed the Epstein scandal, expressing deep concern and focusing their thoughts on the victims.

Their statement aligns with King Charles and Queen Camilla’s earlier support for abuse survivors and stands in stark contrast to Prince Andrew’s persistent silence and alleged misrepresentation of his involvement with Epstein.

With ongoing legal and public scrutiny, the Royal Family’s handling of the scandal continues to dominate headlines, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and the future conduct of the monarchy.