Prince William heckled in Saudi Arabia over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein scandal
The Prince of Wales is on an official overseas trip this weekPrince William was heckled over the ongoing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Jeffrey Epstein scandal during his Saudi Arabia visit.
The Prince of Wales travelled to Saudi Arabia this week on an official visit, at the request of the UK government. But on his visit, Prince William, 43, has faced questions over the Epstein scandal currently dominating headlines.
Andrew’s association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has sparked scrutiny for years. Scrutiny against William’s uncle, Andrew, intensified recently following the release of more than three million files relating to Epstein and his crimes on January 30.
Within these files, images appeared to show Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified female lying on the ground. No context has been supplied for the images. It’s also unclear when and where they were taken.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor allegations
Over the years, Andrew has also faced allegations of sexual assault. The late Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to sleep with the former prince on three occasions when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
Following the latest release of Epstein files last month, a second woman came forward to allege she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010. The woman is not British and was in her 20s at the time.
Royal Insider contacted representatives for Andrew for comment. He hasn’t addressed the allegations.
Prince William heckled over Andrew and Epstein in Saudi Arabia
On Tuesday, the Prince of Wales, 43, visited a sports ground in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh to see how children are honing their football skills.
However, as William got on with his duties, a reporter shouted out: “Sir, to what extent do you think the royal family has done enough around the Andrew and Epstein issue?”
It’s unclear if William heard the question, but he didn’t respond and continued with his visit.
William isn’t the only royal who has faced heckling over the Andrew scandal in recent days.
King Charles faced questions in Clitheroe, Lancashire, on Monday morning.
In a video obtained by The Sun, as King Charles greeted some members of the public, one person shouted out from the crowd: “How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?”
The king didn’t reply.
Buckingham Palace statement on Andrew and Epstein scrutiny
Later on Monday, Buckingham Palace issued a new statement on the Epstein scandal.
It read: “The king has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.
Sir, to what extent do you think the royal family has done enough around the Andrew and Epstein issue?
“While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
William and Kate’s statement
Meanwhile, ahead of Prince William’s arrival in Saudi Arabia, Kensington Palace issued a statement on his and wife Princess Catherine’s behalf.
A spokesperson for the couple told reporters in the capital ahead of William’s visit that “the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims”.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Read more: Worrying prediction made over ‘vulnerable’ royal family amid Andrew and Epstein scandal
What do you think of the Andrew scandal? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsider.
