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A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the Prince and Princess of Wales were “deeply concerned” by the revelations in new documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein released by the US Department of Justice.
Speaking to reporters in Riyadh ahead of Prince William’s visit to Saudi Arabia later on Monday, the spokesperson for the first time shared the couple’s views on the crisis that has engulfed the palace and British parliament in recent weeks.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles and uncle of Prince William, is one of several high-profile figures in British public life facing new scrutiny over their ties to the late sex offender.
A palace spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Prince and Duchess are deeply concerned by the continuing revelations.”
“Their thoughts remain with the victims.”
Prince William is visiting Saudi Arabia on a three-day tour. The visit has already been a diplomatic test for the crown prince, which included a meeting with the crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
Saudi Arabia is one of Britain’s key allies in the Middle East, and the British government has strengthened its relationship with recent visits by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary.
But while many others have expressed concern about the country’s human rights record, MBS is a controversial figure whose reputation was further tarnished in 2018 when a US intelligence report found he ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Prime Minister William’s role this week is to further strengthen bilateral ties without getting involved in politics. But they also face inevitable questions about former Prince Andrew following the recent revelations of the Epstein file.
A statement from his spokesperson on Monday, just hours before the start of the visit, suggests that Prince William wants to address the questions swirling around his uncle, which has overshadowed much of the royal family’s recent work, so he can focus on the main role of the visit.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor lost his role in the royal family due to his relationship with Mr Epstein, and in October King Charles took the unprecedented step of stripping him of his title and residence.
The former prince moved from the Royal Lodge, where he lived for many years in Windsor, last week and is now reportedly staying in a temporary home in Sandringham. He has not commented on the document’s release, but has previously apologized for his relationship with Epstein and denied any wrongdoing.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Monday that Prince William and Duchess Kate support King Charles’ move to strip Maunbatten-Windsor of her title and honors last year.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement in October, saying: “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The Royal Lodge lease has given him legal protection to continue to reside to date. A formal notice to relinquish the lease has been served and the Prince will move to alternative private accommodation. These accusations are deemed necessary despite the fact that the Prince continues to deny the allegations against him.”
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathy are and remain for victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”
Prince William, in his role as heir to the throne, would have been consulted about the statement at the time.
Last week, the Duke of Edinburgh became the first member of the royal family to speak publicly about the Epstein documents. “It’s really important to always remember the victims,” he told CNN’s Eleni Giokos after being asked how he was “coping” since the release of the latest Epstein documents.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
