The publication of millions of court documents in the United States about the Jeffrey Epstein sexual abuse ring has once again shaken the foundations of the british monarchy. The new revelations, including unpublished images and emails, have reignited scrutiny over the stripped Andrés Mountbatten-Windsor and they have forced, for the first time, several members of the royal family to speak publicly.
The prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales have expressed their “deep concern” for the content of the files, according to a statement released by the Kensington Palace. In a short but carefully measuredthe princes stressed that their thoughts “they remain focused on the victims”thus marking distance from the case that once again places Andrés, Guillermo’s uncle, at the center of the controversy.
Delicate moment
The statement comes in a especially delicate moment for the heir to the thronecoinciding with the beginning of a official trip to Saudi Arabiaone of the most complex diplomatic commitments on its international agenda. Sources close to the palace suggest that William wanted to settle the matter before leaving so he could focus on the institutional role that had been assigned to him by the British Government.
Former Prince Andrew, in one of his most compromising photos revealed in the latest declassified files on the Epstein case. / AP / Jon Elswick
Meanwhile, the pressure on Andrés Mountbatten-Windsor continues to increase. Among the documents declassified by the US Department of Justice are images without clear context in which it appears in a committed attitude with a womanas well as emails that reinforce the idea of a close and long relationship with Epsteineven after the financier’s conviction for sexual crimes. Also The well-known photograph is considered authentic along with Virginia Giuffrewho reported having been forced to have sexual relations with him when he was a minor. The former Duke of York has always denied the accusations and reached an agreement with Giuffre. extrajudicial agreement in 2022 without admitting liability.
Installed in a house of Carlos III
The cascade of revelations has had practical consequences. Andrés recently left Royal Lodgehis residence in Windsor, ahead of schedule, and settled in Sandringhama private property of King Charles III. A move interpreted as part of the monarch’s strategy to definitively isolate his brother from public life and protect the institution, although he has given him one of his properties.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, driving through the grounds of Windsor last Monday. / ZUMA via Europa Press / ZUMA via Europa Press
In this context, the Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburghbecame the first member of the royal family to respond directly to questions from the press about the case. He did it since Dubai, during the World Governments Summitwhere avoided going into details but he insisted on the need not to lose sight of those who have suffered the most, the victims: “It is always really important to remember the victims and ask ourselves who the victims are in all of this.” His words were in the same line as those of the British Prime Minister Keir Starmerwho has pointed out that the Victims must be the priority and has suggested that Andrés cooperate with US authorities.
The leaks have also splashed again Sarah Ferguson, Andrés’ ex-wifeand to question the versions that both offered for years about their relationship with Epstein. Colloquial emails, references to private dinners at Buckingham Palace and comments about young women have reinforced the perception of an uncomfortable closeness with the American financier.
For Charles III, however, there is an element of relief. Decisions taken at the end of last year –withdraw titles, honors and public functions from the Dukes of York– They are now seen by much of the British public as a necessary firewall. An attempt to preserve the credibility of the Crown against one of the darker episodes that the institution has faced in recent decades.
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