Prince William and Princess Kate have stepped into the storm surrounding the latest U.S. release of documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, offering a measured but pointed response as new revelations ripple across the Atlantic.

The files — part of a fresh disclosure by the U.S. Department of Justice — include photographs and communications involving Prince Andrew, William’s uncle and the younger brother of King Charles III.

Palace Statement Focuses on Victims

“I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said Feb. 9, just ahead of William’s departure for Saudi Arabia.

The statement marks the couple’s first public comment since the Justice Department unveiled additional investigative materials more than a week earlier.

In the newly released files, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew — appears in multiple images. One photograph shows him on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the ground. Emails included in the disclosure suggest Andrew allegedly remained in regular contact with Epstein for more than two years after Epstein’s conviction for sex crimes.

Andrew’s name and image have surfaced repeatedly in batches of documents made public by U.S. authorities since last fall.

A Royal Under Prolonged Scrutiny

For years, Andrew has been shadowed by controversy tied to his reported association with Epstein. He has consistently denied allegations of sexual abuse and has never faced criminal charges.

The repercussions within the monarchy, however, have been severe.

In October 2025, Andrew was stripped of his royal title and removed from his residence at Royal Lodge. Three years earlier, he was forced to step back from his role as a senior working royal.

In 2022, Andrew reached a settlement in a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a prominent Epstein accuser who alleged he sexually abused her when she was a teenager. Giuffre died in 2025.

Other Royals and U.K. Leaders Respond

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh and youngest sibling of King Charles, became the first royal family member to address the latest Epstein files earlier this month.

Speaking Feb. 3 with CNN’s Eleni Giokos at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Edward sidestepped detailed discussion.

“Well, with the best will in the world, I’m not sure this is the audience that is the least bit interested in that,” he said, noting attendees were gathered to discuss education and future challenges. He added, “I think it’s all really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also weighed in following the latest release of documents. On Jan. 31, Starmer told reporters that Andrew should cooperate if U.S. lawmakers request testimony regarding his relationship with Epstein.

“Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that,” Starmer said.

As fresh disclosures continue to emerge, the monarchy finds itself navigating a familiar tension — balancing institutional stability with public accountability — while the Prince and Princess of Wales signal that, above all, the focus should remain on those harmed.