Prince William could take a firm stance when it comes to his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s scandal, a royal commentator has suggested.
King Charles’ younger brother Andrew currently faces intense scrutiny over his links to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
His association with the disgraced financier has made headlines for years. He also faced allegations of sexual assault made by the late Virginia Giuffre, an alleged victim of Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. Andrew has always denied these allegations.
In recent weeks, scrutiny against Andrew, 65, has intensified following the release of more than three million files relating to Epstein and his crimes by the US Department of Justice.
Within these files released on January 30, 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.
Palace responses to Andrew and Epstein scandal
Emails allegedly between Andrew and Epstein have also emerged within the files.
All of this has sparked calls for the former prince to testify before US Congress over his links to Epstein. But, he has yet to respond to the calls.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Earlier this week, both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace issued statements amid growing scrutiny.
Palace statements in full
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.
We can expect that he will not do anything to defend his despicable uncle.
“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 they felt “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims”.
Prince William could take ‘firm stance’ on Andrew scandal
Now, according to one royal historian and commentator, the Prince of Wales will “not do anything to defend his despicable uncle”.
Speaking to the Fox News Digital, royal commentator Hilary Fordwich said: “Prince William, with the major influence of Princess Catherine, is modernising the monarchy by clarifying their position, which is with the victims. This demonstrates William’s moral authority. We can expect that he will not do anything to defend his despicable uncle.”
Prince William heckled
She added: “Despite issuing a statement supporting victims before departing for Saudi Arabia, Prince William was still heckled.
“He is clearly the hardliner on reputational risk, viewing silence as both damning and dangerous for the monarchy.”
Read more: ‘Fine line’ King Charles is ‘grappling with’ as Andrew scandal continues
Kensington Palace has been approached for comment.
Representatives for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were contacted on the Epstein files.
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