The Prince and Princess of Wales have been “deeply concerned” by the recent revelations related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, said a Kensington Palace spokesperson on Monday.
A trove of files released by the U.S. Justice Department in connection with Epstein includes references to business giants, Hollywood figures and politicians, as well as further allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles III’s brother, who was stripped of his royal titles in October over his alleged links to the late sex offender.
“I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations,” a royal spokesperson said, per the BBC.
“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Prince William is currently visiting Saudi Arabia with the intention of strengthening delicate ties between Britain and the Arab kingdom. He has not directly addressed renewed scrutiny surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor or emerging allegations involving Mountbatten-Windsor’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, and her alleged connection to Epstein.
Three months ago, following a formal move initiated by King Charles, Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of all his royal titles amid heightened scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein. He has repeatedly denied all allegations stemming from his link to Epstein.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” said a statement from Buckingham Palace at the time.
“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.”
The motion to strip Mountbatten-Windsor of all titles came just two weeks after the disgraced prince announced he would voluntarily give up his royal titles over his connection to the Epstein scandal, while stating that he would continue to “vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
In November 2019, Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down from his role as a working royal for the “foreseeable future,” he said in a statement at the time. He noted that his entanglement in the Epstein scandal had become a “major disruption” to the royal family and its “valuable work.”
Since stepping down, Mountbatten-Windsor has made no public appearances other than a handful of family events, such as funerals and birthdays.