The Prince and Princess of Wales have issued a rare and carefully worded response as the latest tranche of Epstein-related documents reignites scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s long-running association with the late convicted sex offender.
Through a Kensington Palace spokesperson, Prince William and Kate Middleton said they are “deeply concerned” by the information now coming to light, signaling unease within the senior ranks of the royal family without directly naming either Jeffrey Epstein or Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The statement, brief by design, emphasized that their focus remains on the victims. In just two lines, it conveyed gravity while avoiding specifics, a familiar strategy for a monarchy acutely aware of public perception.
Yet the timing and context leave little ambiguity about what prompted the response. Newly released Epstein files have once again tied Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, to disturbing imagery and renewed allegations surrounding Epstein’s social circle.
Among the materials included in the latest release are images that appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman. Both individuals appear clothed, and the circumstances surrounding the photograph have not been publicly explained, but its emergence has fueled further questions.
Also resurfacing is a photograph previously made public that appears to show Andrew with Virginia Giuffre, who has alleged she was trafficked to him by Epstein, claims he has consistently denied.
Additional context was provided by an email allegedly written by Ghislaine Maxwell in 2015 and sent to Epstein. In it, Maxwell referenced a 2001 meeting in London where Prince Andrew allegedly met one of her associates, noting that a photograph was taken at the time. While the email stops short of alleging wrongdoing, its inclusion reinforces the depth and duration of Andrew’s proximity to Epstein and his circle.
Law enforcement interest has not faded. Thames Valley Police is reportedly investigating allegations from a second woman who claims Epstein brought her to Britain for the purpose of a sexual encounter with the former prince.
These developments have intensified pressure on the royal family to maintain distance from Andrew, whose friendship with Epstein continued even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for a child sex offense.
That pressure culminated in November 2025, when King Charles III stripped Mountbatten-Windsor of all remaining royal titles. The disgraced former royal subsequently vacated his Windsor residence and relocated to Sandringham Estate.
