'Sign' Prince William and Princess Kate are 'driving a harder line' amid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
The Prince and Princess of Wales spoke out about the Epstein scandal this weekPrince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, are “driving a harder line” when it comes to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a royal commentator has said.
Andrew, 65, has been making headlines repeatedly in recent weeks over his ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Last month, the US Department of Justice released more than three million files relating to Epstein and his crimes.
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 has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
However, scrutiny is mounting against the former prince. There are also calls for him to appear before US Congress to be questioned over his association with Epstein.
Palace statements on Andrew and Epstein scandal
Amid scrutiny, statements have been issued by both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace on the Andrew and Epstein scandal.
Buckingham Palace’s statement read this week: “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.
“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.
The earlier statement from William and Kare was a sign that the Waleses are driving a harder line.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Prince William and Princess Catherine said that “the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims”.
Last October, King Charles initiated a formal process to have Andrew’s remaining royal titles and honours removed amid growing scrutiny. Andrew was also told to leave Royal Lodge, his Windsor home of more than two decades. Earlier this month, Andrew moved to the king’s Sandringham Estate.
It came as he continuously made headlines over his links to Epstein. Andrew has also faced allegations of sexual assault.
The late Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to sleep with Andrew on three separate occasions when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
Prince William and Kate Middleton ‘driving a harder line’ amid Andrew scandal
Now, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has shared his thoughts with Royal Insider.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “The earlier statement from William and Kare was a sign that the Waleses are driving a harder line.
“The king’s hands are tied as the Royal Lodge lease could not legally be broken, he had to offer him somewhere and with security.”
Read more: Prince William and King Charles urged to make ‘television address’ over Andrew and Epstein scandal
He added: “The problem is that vast numbers of files are reportedly still to be released and some of the redactions may be lifted. It is therefore impossible for the palace to be pro-active, they don’t know what they will be facing.
“The scale of what is alleged is truly shocking.”
Andrew has faced calls to appear for questioning in the US over his links to Epstein. However, at the time of writing, Andrew has not responded to these calls.
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