The statement aimed to shift focus back to the Prince of Wales’s role abroad
Prince William released a rare public statement on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal while undertaking what aides have described as his most demanding diplomatic trip to date.
The statement, issued through Kensington Palace, marked the first public comment from Prince William and his wife Catherine since the latest batch of Epstein-related documents was made public. A palace spokesperson told journalists in Riyadh that the couple were “deeply concerned” by the continued revelations and stressed that their thoughts remained with the victims.
Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, has once again put the monarchy under scrutiny because of his past links to Prince Andrew, the King’s brother. The renewed attention has intensified pressure on Andrew to further explain those connections.
The timing of William’s intervention raised eyebrows, given it came while he was abroad representing the UK on a high-profile visit. According to royal commentator Emily Ferguson, the decision was deliberate. Writing on social media, she said aides were keen to address the issue quickly so it would not overshadow the trip itself or distract from the role the Government had asked the Prince of Wales to play.
By speaking out when he did, William appeared to be drawing a clear line between the ongoing scandal and his official duties, allowing attention to return to the diplomatic work he was carrying out on behalf of the country.
