The Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly addressed the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal for the first time, stating they are "deeply concerned" by the continuing revelations. Their intervention came as Prince William embarked on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant royal statement on the issue that has engulfed both the Government and the Royal Family.
Royal Focus on Victims
Speaking through a Kensington Palace spokesman in Riyadh, William and Kate emphasised that their "thoughts remain focused on the victims" of the prolific paedophile and his global network. This declaration echoes the earlier support voiced by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were the first senior royals to publicly express sympathy for the many women and girls who suffered appalling abuse at Epstein's hands.
Contrast with Prince Andrew's Stance
The Wales' statement stands in stark contrast to the long-standing arrogance of Prince Andrew, who has never voiced any sympathy for the victims of his friend's horrendous crimes. Mounting evidence reveals his deep friendship with Epstein, and he is said to have even refused to sign off press statements expressing the broadest support for abuse victims.
Last October, Charles and Camilla made their position clear, stating: "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." More recently, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, reinforced this during a press Q&A in Dubai, noting the importance of remembering the victims in all discussions of the scandal.
Epstein's Network and Royal Connections
Financier Jeffrey Epstein, who courted the world's elite, was found dead in his cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for masterminding a global child sex abuse network. His associate, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, is now imprisoned for helping recruit schoolgirl victims. Prince Andrew, a friend to both, has had his royal titles stripped and lives in exile in Norfolk, despite denying claims he had sex with a 17-year-old victim.
Revelations from the Epstein Files
Shocking new details from the Epstein files, released ten days ago, have further implicated the Royal Family. In his infamous Newsnight interview, Prince Andrew claimed he cut ties with Epstein after a brief stay in New York in December 2010. However, emails from the latest cache reveal a different story, showing he actually enjoyed the paedophile's hospitality for nine days, not four as suggested.
During this visit, Epstein organised a dizzying timetable of meetings and parties, including a "facial" cosmetic treat. Disturbingly, emails from that week reference young women apparently of school age, with one confirming "she would come after school" and another stating someone "will come after school." While it is unclear if these refer to the same individual, the language raises serious questions about the nature of Andrew's visit, which he falsely portrayed to BBC viewers as an attempt to "break up their friendship."
The Wales' timely statement during Prince William's Saudi visit underscores the Royal Family's ongoing efforts to distance themselves from the scandal while prioritising victim support, as the world continues to grapple with the sordid truths emerging from Epstein's global network.
