In a brief but significant statement released on Monday, February 9, 2026, Prince William and Princess Catherine voiced their deep concern for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, marking their first public comment on the ongoing revelations tied to the late convicted sex offender. The two-line message from Kensington Palace, issued as William began a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, underscores the British monarchy’s continued efforts to separate itself from the persistent fallout surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—formerly known as Prince Andrew—and his documented ties to Epstein.
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 concise wording deliberately avoids naming Epstein, Andrew, or any specific details from the documents, yet its timing and tone carry clear weight. It echoes earlier royal responses, including one from King Charles and Queen Camilla last fall when Andrew was stripped of his titles: “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 statement arrives amid fresh scrutiny triggered by the latest tranche of Epstein-related files released by the U.S. Department of Justice. These documents—part of a broader release of millions of pages—include emails, photographs, and correspondence that highlight Andrew’s extensive post-conviction contact with Epstein. Revelations show Andrew allegedly shared confidential trade reports from a 2010 Southeast Asia tour (undertaken as Britain’s special envoy for international trade) with Epstein, even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Additional images depict Andrew in compromising poses, further intensifying questions about his judgment and associations.
British police, specifically Thames Valley force, confirmed they are assessing allegations related to these emails, including potential breaches of the Official Secrets Act and misconduct in public office. An anti-monarchy campaigner filed a report prompting the review, though Andrew—now known solely as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The former prince settled a civil lawsuit with accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022 and stepped back from public duties in 2019 amid mounting pressure.
For William and Catherine, the comment represents a careful navigation of family dynamics and public expectations. As the heir apparent and his wife, they have maintained a measured distance from Andrew’s scandal since it erupted. William’s office has emphasized support for victims while avoiding direct confrontation with his uncle. The couple’s statement aligns with the monarchy’s broader strategy: prioritize empathy for survivors, reinforce institutional accountability, and insulate the core working royals from peripheral controversies.
The timing coincides with heightened royal visibility. William’s Saudi visit—focused on diplomacy, trade, and cultural ties—places him in the international spotlight just as domestic headlines swirl around Epstein. Critics note the irony of addressing victim concerns abroad, yet supporters see it as consistent with William’s focus on global issues like mental health and environmental causes. Catherine, who has championed early childhood development and family well-being, brings added weight to the couple’s emphasis on victim support.
The Epstein saga has long cast a shadow over the royal family. Andrew’s friendship with Epstein dates back years, including social events at Epstein’s properties and flights on his private plane. Epstein’s 2019 death in custody and subsequent document unsealing have kept the story alive, with periodic releases reigniting media coverage. The latest files have also implicated other British figures, including former Labour politician Peter Mandelson, drawing political scrutiny to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government.
In response to mounting pressure, King Charles accelerated Andrew’s relocation from Royal Lodge (a Crown-owned property near Windsor) to a temporary cottage on the private Sandringham estate. This move, completed earlier in 2026, addressed public concerns about taxpayer-funded perks for a non-working royal. Buckingham Palace reiterated its stance: the King supports police if contacted and remains committed to victim sympathy.
William and Catherine’s intervention stands out for its directness from the next generation. Unlike previous palace statements that referenced broader abuse concerns, this one explicitly ties to “continuing revelations,” signaling awareness of the specific Epstein developments. It avoids any mention of Andrew personally, preserving family protocol while centering victims.
Public reaction has been mixed. Supporters praise the couple’s compassion and restraint, viewing the statement as a responsible acknowledgment amid ongoing pain for survivors. Critics argue it remains too vague—lacking accountability for Andrew’s actions—and question why it took until 2026 for William and Catherine to speak. Online discussions highlight the contrast: while the Waleses focus on victims, Andrew maintains denial and a low profile.
The statement reflects the monarchy’s delicate balancing act: upholding tradition, managing public perception, and addressing modern expectations of transparency and empathy. As revelations continue to emerge from Epstein’s files, the royal family’s responses—careful, victim-centered, and increasingly unified—aim to contain damage while reinforcing core values.
For William and Catherine, this moment reinforces their image as forward-looking royals attuned to societal concerns. Their words, though brief, carry symbolic weight in a scandal that refuses to fade. As the investigation unfolds and police assess new claims, the monarchy’s distance from Andrew grows clearer—prioritizing survivors and institutional integrity over personal ties.
