Prince Edward has become the first Royal Family member to speak out on the Epstein scandal at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, emphasising the importance of remembering victims
Prince Edward has become the first member of the Royal Family to address the Epstein scandal, stating it’s “really important always to remember the victims”.
The Duke of Edinburgh made the remarks while attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai today, as mounting pressure continues on his elder brother Andrew to reveal what he knew about the paedophile billionaire. When questioned at the summit about “how are you coping” following the release of fresh documents, Edward responded: “Well, with the best will in the world, I’m not sure this is the audience that is probably the least bit interested in that.
“‘They all came here to listen to education, solving the future, but no, I think it’s all really important always to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this? A lot of victims in this.”
Andrew is facing calls from US politicians and Prime Minister Keir Starmer to give evidence before the US Congress and explain his relationship with Epstein. The former Duke of York has consistently and vehemently denied any misconduct concerning his links with Epstein.
Andrew’s standing has been severely damaged since his close ties and friendship with Epstein came to light in the late 2010s. However, the publication of the Epstein Files disclosed that Andrew had maintained contact with the convicted paedophile even after claiming he had severed all ties with him, reports the Mirror.
The most recent Epstein Files release has intensified scrutiny on Andrew as images surfaced that appeared to show the former Duke of York positioned on all fours above a woman lying face-up on the ground. Andrew was also discovered to have received emails from Epstein discussing the introduction of a “beautiful and trustworthy” 26-year-old Russian woman.
A second woman has threatened to take legal action against Andrew after alleging that Epstein had transported her to the UK for sexual purposes. The unnamed woman claimed she visited Buckingham Palace for afternoon tea following the alleged encounter, which supposedly occurred in 2010 when she was in her twenties.
Andrew has repeatedly refuted all allegations of misconduct.
Edward’s remarks regarding the controversy followed CNN journalist Eleni Giokos directly questioning the Duke of Edinburgh about his younger brother and the scandal during a panel discussion at a summit, while he was visiting the United Arab Emirates.
She stated: “I have to say this, and it’s super important, because, you know, it’s been dominating headlines. We all know the last few days have been very interesting, very difficult.
“And I’m sure for you Sir as well, this is an important question to ask, and I want to ask it in the context of what we’ve seen from Their Majesties and their response. And they’re saying that we should be focused specifically on experience of the victims.”
Buckingham Palace refused to provide comment regarding the most recent revelations from the latest Epstein Files release. Royal insiders informed the Daily Mail that “providing testimony is now a matter for Andrew and his conscience.”
At the conclusion of October, the King formally removed his scandal-hit brother Andrew of his HRH status and princely title, whilst striking his dukedom from the Roll of the Peerage due to his “serious lapses” of judgement concerning his connections with Epstein.
A Palace statement issued at the time declared: “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.”
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