The Duke of Edinburgh has issued his first public comments since the release of millions of pages of documents related to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, urging the world to "remember the victims" during an international summit in Dubai.
Royal Response at World Governments Summit
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, Prince Edward was asked by a CNN journalist how he was "coping" following Friday's document dump by the US Department of Justice. The Duke responded with measured words, acknowledging the gravity of the situation while suggesting the summit audience might have different priorities.
"Well, with the best will in the world, I'm not sure this is the audience that is the least bit interested in that," Edward stated. "They all came here to listen to education, solving the future, but no, I think it's all really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this."
Documents Reveal Further Royal Connections
The newly released documents contain numerous references to Edward's brother, Prince Andrew, who appears multiple times in the material. Among the revelations are images apparently showing Andrew crouching over an unidentified woman in what appears to be Epstein's New York mansion.
Further email exchanges between Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and Epstein have emerged from the document release. In one communication, Andrew appears to invite Epstein to Buckingham Palace, while Sarah Ferguson reportedly wrote: "I am at your service. Just marry me."
In another disturbing exchange from the same month, Epstein appears to introduce Andrew to a woman described as "26, Russian, clevere (sic) beautiful, trustworthy." Andrew reportedly responded to Epstein with the words: "Wish I was still a pet in your family."
Background of Allegations and Denials
Prince Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing throughout the Epstein scandal. In 2022, the former duke paid millions of pounds to Virginia Giuffre, his main accuser, while maintaining he had never met her.
The King stripped Andrew of his royal titles last year following the posthumous publication of a book by Ms Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell when she was just 17 years old.
Legal representatives for a second accuser have now urged King Charles to contact them following allegations that their client was sent to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew. Brad Edwards, from the US law firm Edwards Henderson, previously told the BBC his client had spent the night with Andrew after being given a tour of Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh's comments mark the first public statement from a senior royal figure since the latest document release, highlighting the ongoing impact of the Epstein case on the British monarchy and emphasising the human cost behind the scandalous revelations.
