Royal Couple Issues Statement on Epstein Revelations
Prince William and Kate Middleton have broken their silence regarding the latest release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. A spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales are "deeply concerned" by the continuing revelations, with their thoughts focused on the victims. This marks the first time the couple has publicly addressed the scandal, which has ensnared Prince Andrew, William's uncle.
Andrew's Involvement Detailed in New Files
The Department of Justice in the United States published an additional three million pages of material on January 30, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images from the Epstein investigation. Among these documents are multiple references to Prince Andrew, including images that appear to show him crouching over an unidentified woman in Epstein's New York mansion. Further allegations claim a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew, and that Andrew and Epstein requested a threesome with an exotic dancer in Florida.
Andrew, who was removed from his Royal Lodge residence in Windsor last week following King Charles's displeasure over his public appearances, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In 2022, he paid £12 million to Virginia Giuffre, his primary accuser, despite maintaining he never met her. The King stripped Andrew of all his titles and honours in October last year after Giuffre's posthumous book release detailed her claims of being trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions in 2001.
Emails Reveal Buckingham Palace Invitation
Newly released emails from the Epstein files indicate that Andrew invited Epstein and a "very cute" Romanian woman to dinner at Buckingham Palace in September 2010. The woman was reportedly invited at Epstein's request during his visit to London, with Epstein later telling her that Andrew thought she was "beautiful." Documents suggest she was part of a group accompanying the convicted sex offender.
Further revelations this month have exposed the extensive network of contacts Epstein maintained, including embarrassing interactions with Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife. Ferguson, who was also stripped of her titles due to her relationship with Epstein, allegedly begged the paedophile to marry her and took her daughters to visit him in New York just five days after his release from prison in 2009.
William's Diplomatic Mission to Saudi Arabia
The statement from William and Kate comes as the Prince of Wales embarks on a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia, his first official overseas visit of 2026 and his inaugural journey to the Middle East since 2023. The visit, made at the request of the UK Government, is seen as a significant diplomatic test, with William focusing on meeting young Saudis and learning about the country's sustainability plans and conservation efforts in AlUla.
A royal source explained that the couple instructed aides to deliver the statement ahead of William's challenging diplomatic mission, allowing him to concentrate on his governmental role. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's administration has strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia through recent visits by the Chancellor and Foreign Secretary, despite criticism over human rights concerns, including the regime's use of the death penalty and allegations of "sports washing" through investments in events like the 2034 World Cup.
Growing Pressure on Andrew to Cooperate
Andrew faces increasing pressure to provide evidence to US investigators probing Epstein's crimes. Royal sources have stated that "anyone who has information should consider helping any investigation." The latest document release has intensified scrutiny on Andrew's associations, with ongoing calls for accountability and transparency in the wake of the scandal.
The Prince and Princess of Wales's decision to speak out underscores the gravity of the situation, as the royal family navigates the fallout from the Epstein files while maintaining diplomatic engagements abroad.
