Prince William has broken his silence after his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was again named in newly released Epstein files, marking a rare public response from the future king as scrutiny around the allegations intensifies.
The largest trove of Jeffrey Epstein-related material yet – over 3 million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos – was made public by the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan.30. The files, released under the Epstein Transparency Act, trace the late financier’s vast and troubling web of associations, reigniting global scrutiny over his ties to powerful elites.
Among the familiar names that surfaced, one is drawing renewed attention: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the British royal formerly known as Prince Andrew.
‘In this together’
The latest files include three undated images reportedly showing Andrew kneeling over a fully clothed woman lying on the ground, her face redacted. In two photos, Andrew appears to be touching her waist or stomach; in another, he looks directly into the camera while hovering above her on all fours.
But it’s not just the images that are casting doubt against the former prince.
Alleged email exchanges between Andrew, 65, and Epstein from 2011 – years after the financier’s conviction – were also revealed in the latest release.
In one message, Andrew reportedly tells Epstein to “keep in close touch” and notes they were “in this together”– raising questions about the nature of their post-conviction relationship.
Also within the files are claims that Andrew and Epstein asked an exotic dancer to take part in a threesome at the convicted pedophile’s Florida residence. Another claim alleges that the former prince shared confidential reports from official overseas visits while serving as the UK’s trade envoy between 2010 and 2011.
These documents appear to contradict Andrew’s claim in his 2019 BBC interview that he had severed ties with Epstein after 2010.
‘Sympathies’ for victims and survivors
Despite these assertions, Andrew’s ties to Epstein have had severe personal and institutional consequences.
“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,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement released on Oct. 30, per People.
Since, Andrew has been stripped of his royal titles and duties and has remained absent from public life since the scandal escalated.
His housing situation has also changed. Buckingham Palace had earlier indicated that Andrew would vacate Royal Lodge in Windsor in early 2026. However, in the wake of new information connected to his relationship with Epstein, he moved out ahead of schedule. He is now living on the King’s privately owned Sandringham Estate.
‘Remember the victims’
Senior members of the royal family have historically avoided direct commentary on the allegations surrounding Andrew. However, the renewed release of Epstein-related documents has prompted carefully worded responses.
Recently, Prince Edward addressed the issue while attending a government conference in Dubai.
Speaking about the allegations, Prince Edward told CNN it is “really important always to remember the victims, and who are the victims in all this, a lot of victims in all this.”
He became the first member of the royal family to speak publicly about the accusations against Andrew following the most recent developments.
‘Deeply concerned’
His words opened the door to further comment from the royals, with Prince William, 43, and Catherine, 44, responding to the latest revelations.
According to the BBC, a spokesperson for Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, confirmed their position following the latest revelations, stating: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations.”
“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims,” the spokesperson continued.
It is the first time the future king and queen have publicly responded to the controversy, as William’s uncle faces renewed scrutiny over his association with Epstein.
Prince William’s statement comes as he prepares to travel to Saudi Arabia for the beginning of a three-day official visit, which the BBC explained was “highly significant diplomatically.”
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