“Deeply concerned” about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Prince William and Kate Middleton spoke today in their first public comments on the matter.

William and Kate stated that “their thoughts remain firmly with the victims” of the pedophile and his global network.

Their intervention comes as the prince departed for an official visit to Saudi Arabia and contrasts sharply with the long-standing position of the disgraced Prince Andrew—now Mountbatten-Windsor—who has been accused of arrogance amid further evidence of his close friendship with Epstein.

Government and Royal Family in Crisis

The statements came ten days after new revelations from the Epstein files, which plunged both the government and the royal family into crisis.

Speaking to journalists this morning in Riyadh, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said:
“I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales are deeply concerned by the ongoing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

The comments reflect the support expressed by the King and Queen for the numerous victims of the serial pedophile. In contrast, Andrew never expressed sympathy for the victims and reportedly even refused press statements that offered any form of support for abuse survivors.

Last October, Charles and Camilla became the first senior members of the royal family to publicly express their support for the victims, stating:
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and deepest sympathies were and will remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”

Girls Coming “After School”

In a BBC interview, Andrew had claimed he had cut ties with Epstein after visiting him in New York in December 2010. However, newer documents reveal emails telling a very different story. References to girls arriving “after school” and cash payments of $5,000 suggest he lied, claiming his visit to Epstein’s mansion was supposedly to “end their friendship.”

Andrew had claimed he stayed “four days,” but in reality, he was hosted for nine days, with Epstein organizing a dense schedule of meetings and parties, starting even with a “facial treatment,” according to email analyses.

Particularly concerning are several messages from that week referencing young women who appear to have been of school age. One message notes that a girl “confirmed she would come after school,” while another says “she will come after school.” It is unclear if this refers to the same individual, as in the U.S., the term “school” is sometimes used for college as well.