William and Kate Voice Deep Concern Over Epstein Scandal as King Faces Public Heckling
The Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time, expressing their profound concern amid ongoing revelations surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. This statement comes as King Charles faced further heckling over his disgraced brother during a public appearance.
Royal Statement Focuses on Victims
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed that William and Kate have been "deeply concerned" by the continued revelations emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein case. The spokesperson emphasized that "their thoughts remain focused on the victims" of the paedophile financier's crimes. This marks the first time the views of the prince and princess on this sensitive matter have been publicly known.
The timing of this statement is particularly significant as Prince William prepares for a solo three-day tour of Saudi Arabia, where he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Kensington Palace appeared keen to establish the royal couple's position before this important diplomatic mission, which represents one of William's most substantial overseas visits in support of UK interests.
King Charles Confronted During Public Appearance
As the King arrived at Clitheroe train station in Lancashire on Monday morning, a man in the crowd shouted: "How long have you known about Andrew?" The question was met with boos from other members of the public gathered to greet the monarch. This incident follows similar heckling during a visit to Dedham, Essex, last week when another man questioned whether Charles had pressured police to investigate his brother.
Despite these confrontations, the King received warm welcomes from other well-wishers in Clitheroe, some wearing Union flag hats and one bringing a Corgi puppy to meet him. The crowd cheered as Charles waved goodbye before departing by car.
Fresh Allegations and Police Investigations
Just hours after the King's Lancashire visit, Thames Valley Police confirmed they were assessing claims that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as UK trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein. Among the allegations contained in recently released US Department of Justice documents:
- A second woman was allegedly sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew
- The former prince and Epstein reportedly asked an exotic dancer for a threesome at Epstein's Florida home
- Andrew allegedly shared confidential reports about official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore
- An email from November 2010 was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his special adviser
- On Christmas Eve 2010, Andrew reportedly looped Epstein in on a confidential brief about investment opportunities in Afghanistan's Helmand Province
Graham Smith, chief executive of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, has reported these allegations to police. A Thames Valley Police spokesperson stated: "We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures."
Growing Pressure for Action
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt has called on King Charles to take decisive public action, stating: "The royals are rattled and rightly so, with the statement from William and Kate failing because it contains warm words, but no hard action." Hunt urged the King to publicly support Andrew testifying before US lawmakers and to back legislation removing his brother as eighth in line to the throne.
Andrew, who was stripped of his titles by the King last year, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Last week, he finally left Royal Lodge for the monarch's private Sandringham estate, with Charles personally funding his new life through an annual stipend.
Historical Context and Previous Actions
William and Kate supported the King's decision to strip Andrew of his Prince and Duke of York titles and HRH style, a move that effectively ended his public life. The couple shared the sentiments of the Buckingham Palace statement at the time, which expressed sympathy for victims of abuse.
In 2022, the late Queen stripped Andrew of his honorary military roles, and he gave up using his HRH style following the civil sex case brought by Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew, including when she was 17, after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew paid millions to settle the civil case in 2022 while maintaining he had never met her.
The Duke of Edinburgh became the first royal to publicly speak about the Epstein documents last week, stating it was important to "remember the victims" when asked how he was coping with the situation.
Despite the King's attempts to draw a line under the matter when he banished Andrew in October, the ongoing release of documents continues to overshadow the royal family's work and presents significant challenges to the monarchy's reputation.
