This marks the first time Prince William and Princess Kate’s views have been publicly acknowledged since the crisis intensified, with palace sources stressing that their concern remains firmly centred on the victims.
The statement was issued as Prince William prepares for an official three day visit to Saudi Arabia, where he is due to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the first day of the tour.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said ahead of the trip: “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.”
Fresh Epstein files place renewed focus on Prince Andrew
The comments follow the latest release of documents by the United States Department of Justice on 30 January. More than three million files were made public, including photographs, private emails, and internal records connected to Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Among the individuals repeatedly referenced is Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, whose association with Epstein has long cast a shadow over the Royal Family.
Andrew has consistently denied allegations that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager after she was trafficked by Epstein. Despite denying ever meeting her, he paid a multi million pound settlement in 2022 to resolve a civil lawsuit. Giuffre died by suicide in April last year.
His name appears hundreds of times in the newly released documents, including private correspondence. Claims contained within the files allege that Epstein arranged for a woman to be sent to the UK to meet Andrew, and that Andrew and Epstein asked an exotic dancer to participate in a sexual encounter at Epstein’s Florida home.
There are also allegations that Andrew shared confidential reports from official overseas visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Royal fallout deepens amid calls to remember victims
Despite his repeated denials, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles late last year, including his status as prince and Duke of York. Andrew reportedly left Royal Lodge for the Sandringham estate last week.
In a rare public comment from within the family, the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, was cited last week as saying it was vital to “remember the victims” when asked how he was coping with the renewed scrutiny following the document release.
As further files are expected to emerge, the focus on accountability and the impact on victims continues to intensify, placing sustained pressure on both the monarchy and political institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
