A Kensington Palace spokesperson released the brief statement on February 9, 2026, as Prince William traveled to Saudi Arabia to begin a three-day official visit focused on strengthening diplomatic and trade ties. The spokesperson said: "I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
The remarks mark the first direct comment from the Prince and Princess of Wales—Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales—on the matter since the U.S. Department of Justice began releasing additional tranches of Epstein-related documents in late January 2026. The releases, totaling millions of pages, include emails, photographs, itineraries, and other materials that detail Epstein's extensive network of associates. Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The latest disclosures have intensified scrutiny on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. Emails from the files appear to show that he shared details of his official duties as the United Kingdom's special envoy for international trade with Epstein, even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. Specifically, correspondence indicates that in October 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded his itinerary for a two-week Southeast Asia tour—including visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen—to Epstein. Following the trip, on November 30, 2010, he reportedly forwarded official "visit reports" received from his special adviser, Amit Patel, to Epstein within minutes of receipt. These reports contained details on trade opportunities, investment prospects, and post-visit assessments.
Under UK guidelines for special envoys, individuals handling such roles are expected to maintain confidentiality over sensitive commercial and political information. The revelations prompted Thames Valley Police to confirm on February 9, 2026, that they are "assessing" the claims, including potential breaches related to misconduct in public office or the Official Secrets Act. No formal investigation has been launched, and Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.
Additional materials in the files include undated photographs released by the Department of Justice, one of which appears to depict Mountbatten-Windsor crouching or kneeling over an unidentified woman on the floor in what is described as Epstein's New York mansion. Other documents reference various allegations, though many remain unverified or lack independent corroboration. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly rejected accusations of impropriety.
The royal family's response to the scandal has evolved significantly. In October 2025, King Charles III stripped his brother of remaining royal titles and privileges, accelerated his departure from Royal Lodge (his former Windsor residence), and arranged for him to relocate to a property on the Sandringham estate. Buckingham Palace has reiterated the King's "profound concern" over the allegations and stated readiness to support any police inquiries.
Duncan Larcombe, a prominent royal commentator and former royal editor, described the Kensington Palace statement as "unprecedented" in its directness from senior working royals. Speaking to Metro, Larcombe said: "What it tells us is William is furious with his uncle. He has clearly had enough of it. That is a clear and public dig at his uncle. It is very rare for a Royal to turn on a Royal."
Larcombe added that the intervention reflects awareness that Mountbatten-Windsor's associations pose a threat to the monarchy's reputation. He noted the timing—issued just ahead of William's major diplomatic engagement in Saudi Arabia—was likely intended to address the issue proactively and reduce media questions during the tour. "William is about to do this big set-piece visit to Saudi Arabia," Larcombe said. "This is an attempt to stop him being asked lots of questions about his uncle when he is trying to promote trade… It won’t work. It will only mean the complete visit is overshadowed."
Prince William arrived in Riyadh on February 9, 2026, for meetings with Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of efforts to bolster UK-Saudi economic and strategic relations. The visit represents one of William's most significant overseas engagements of the year.
The Epstein files continue to generate widespread debate in the UK, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously urging full cooperation from those named in connection to Epstein, including potential testimony in U.S. proceedings. Advocacy groups representing survivors have called for greater accountability and transparency from all implicated individuals.
The statement from the Prince and Princess of Wales maintains a careful focus on support for victims while avoiding specific commentary on family members. It aligns with the monarchy's strategy to distance the institution from the scandal's fallout, emphasizing sympathy for those affected by Epstein's crimes rather than engaging in detailed personal or familial defense.
Mountbatten-Windsor, now 65, has not been charged with any criminal offenses related to Epstein and maintains his innocence throughout the saga. As the document releases and associated reporting continue, the episode underscores persistent challenges for the royal family in managing the long-term reputational impact of past associations.
