The Prince and Princess of Wales have said they are “deeply concerned” by the ongoing revelations linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
It is the first time Prince William and Catherine have publicly conveyed their views on the crisis, which has continued to cast a shadow over the monarchy and Westminster. A palace spokesperson said their thoughts “remain focused on the victims” amid the steady release of new information.
Palace statement ahead of Middle East tour
The statement was issued as Prince William began a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he is due to spend the first day with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Kensington Palace said it wanted the couple’s position to be clear before the trip began, allowing the prince to focus on what is expected to be his most significant overseas diplomatic engagement to date.
A spokesperson said: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
The visit is seen as an important test of Prince William’s role in supporting UK diplomatic efforts abroad, at a time when the royal family’s work has been repeatedly overshadowed by developments connected to the Epstein case.
Renewed scrutiny following US document release
The Epstein scandal returned to the forefront after millions of documents linked to the convicted child sex offender were released by US authorities. The disclosures reignited allegations involving Mountbatten-Windsor and triggered wider political and institutional fallout in the UK.
The renewed focus has also coincided with a police investigation into Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing.
Claims and denials surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor
Among the latest claims are allegations that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. Other accusations include claims that Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein approached an exotic dancer for a threesome at Epstein’s Florida home.
Further allegations suggest that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports from official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore during his time as a UK trade envoy. He has denied all wrongdoing.
Last year, Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles by the King and, in recent days, has moved out of Royal Lodge to temporary accommodation on the Sandringham estate. He has not commented publicly on the most recent tranche of Epstein-related documents.
Royal family response and focus on victims
Prince Edward became the first senior royal to address the situation publicly following the US document release. Speaking last week, he said it was important to “remember the victims” when asked how he was coping with the fallout from the revelations.
The comments from the Prince and Princess of Wales underline a growing effort within the royal household to shift attention away from speculation and towards the impact on victims, as scrutiny of the Epstein case and its UK links continues.
Background to the Epstein scandal’s UK impact
Jeffrey Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial in the US, but investigations into his activities and associations have continued on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, the release of US court documents has repeatedly reopened questions about accountability, transparency and the conduct of public figures, keeping pressure on institutions including the monarchy and government.
