William and Kate Address the Epstein Issue for the First Time: 'They Are Deeply Concerned'

Feb. 09 2026, Updated 06:58 AM. ET

The royal family appears to be moving away from its long-standing instinct for silence, rooted in the motto 'never complain, never explain.' In a rare move, Prince William and Kate Middleton have now publicly acknowledged the impact of the latest Epstein revelations, marking their first direct response to a scandal that has continued to cast a shadow over the monarchy.

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales light candles during a ceremony commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day (Image Source: Getty Images | Dan Kitwood)

Kensington Palace confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been ‘deeply concerned’ by the ongoing disclosures contained in the Epstein files, stressing that their focus remains firmly on those affected. The statement was issued ahead of Prince William’s first official visit to Saudi Arabia and represents the couple’s clearest public position so far on the matter. “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations,” a spokesperson told travelling media, as was reported by HELLO! “Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

It is the first time William and Middleton have addressed the widening scrutiny surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s links to William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Prince Edward, attends the 98th Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association annual parade and service in Hyde Park . (Image Source: Max Mumby/Indigo) — Prince Edward attends the 98th Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association annual parade and service in Hyde Park (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

Just last week, Prince Edward, Mountbatten-Windsor’s younger brother, broke his silence about the same. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, February 3, Edward addressed the issue without naming names. The 61-year-old stressed that the focus should remain firmly on those who suffered harm. “It’s really important to remember the victims,” Edward told CNN journalist Eleni Giokos during an on-stage interview. “And who are the victims in all this? A lot of victims in all this,” he added.

King Charles and Queen Camilla meet with well-wishers during a walkabout in Newmarket. (Image Source: Getty Images| Darren Staples - WPA Pool) — King Charles and Queen Camilla meet with well-wishers during a walkabout in Newmarket (Image Source: Getty Images | Darren Staples/WPA Pool)

The statement also comes against a backdrop of rising public anger, with senior royals increasingly facing direct hostility on the ground. King Charles had been heckled at recent public engagements, and that too twice. Queen Camilla has faced similar shouts from the crowd while on her way to an engagement at a school. The Prince and Princess of Wales were not spared either. In late January, William and Middleton were confronted by a heckler in Scotland who shouted at them as they arrived for an engagement, demanding, “How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you been covering up for Andrew?” as they greeted well-wishers outside a local pub. It will be a while before things can calm down on this front.