The Duke of Edinburgh has become the first member of the Royal Family to publicly address the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, urging that the focus remain on the victims of the late sex offender, after his brother was featured in the new batch of files.
His Royal Highness was speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Tuesday. where he is championing young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
However, Edward was asked how he was coping amid the controversy. Speaking to CNN’s Eleni Gioko, Edward said: ‘Well, with the best will in the world. I’m not sure this is the audience that is probably the least 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 all this’.
The questioning comes after Edward’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was featured in the latest batch of documents where he was seen crouched over an unidentified woman, whose face has been redacted. Additionally, emails apparently between Andrew and Epstein, include references to socialising together and invitations that would place Epstein at royal residences after his conviction in 2008.
The latest batch of three million files has also placed Sarah Ferguson, who has already lost several Patronages, under more scrutiny. Emails from 2009 and 2010 reveal the Duchess describing Epstein as a ‘legend’ and the ‘brother’ she always wanted, while reportedly asking him for financial assistance for her rent
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the specific contents of the new files, instead referring to a previous statement by The King and Queen. That statement emphasised that their ‘thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse’.
