Royal Houses Respond as Millions of Epstein Documents Surface
The ongoing release of millions of pages of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has reverberated through European royal families, prompting a series of statements and, in some instances, apologies. These disclosures, stemming from the Epstein Files Transparency Act, aim to shed light on the extensive network of individuals connected to the disgraced financier.
The initial major public release occurred on December 19, 2025, when the US Department of Justice (DOJ) made thousands of documents, photographs, and related materials publicly accessible. This was followed by a significantly larger batch on January 30, 2026, comprising over three million pages of documents, images, and videos. The DOJ has indicated this latter release represents the final major tranche under the disclosure legislation.
These newly surfaced files have unveiled a complex web of emails, invitations, and contact lists that extend far beyond the realms of political and business elites. While inclusion in these documents does not inherently signify any wrongdoing, the revelations have compelled members of various monarchies to address their connections and the implications of the ongoing disclosures.
Buckingham Palace and the British Royal Family
Buckingham Palace has publicly stated its unwavering support for any police inquiries that may arise from the latest Epstein document releases. King Charles has unequivocally affirmed the royal family’s commitment to assisting authorities, stating, “As you would expect.”
A formal statement from the Palace articulated:
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Adding to this, on October 30, 2025, the Palace announced that King Charles had initiated the formal process to strip Prince Andrew of his royal titles, with his designation now being Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The statement reiterated the family’s stance:
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Prince Edward’s Comments
Prince Edward, the brother of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was among the first to address the newly released files publicly. During an appearance at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, he was questioned by CNN’s Eleni Giokos about the documents.
Prince Edward remarked:
“Well, with the best will in the world, I’m not sure this is the audience that is probably the least bit 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 this.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, issued their first public statement regarding the scandal through a spokesperson. A statement released by Kensington Palace following the latest Epstein file disclosures, as reported by the BBC, was concise:
“I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Sarah Ferguson’s Past Regret
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess and ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has not released a new statement directly addressing the most recent batch of documents. However, prior communications revealed within the Epstein files indicated a more familiar relationship with the financier at the time. In response to these past revelations, Ferguson had previously expressed regret, describing her association as a “gigantic error of judgment” in a statement reported by GB News.
Princess Sofia of Sweden’s Clarification
Princess Sofia of Sweden addressed her limited encounters with Epstein, clarifying that she met him on a few social occasions during her early twenties. She emphasised that she maintained no dependent relationship with him and expressed her horror at his crimes.
Speaking to TV4, Princess Sofia stated:
“I met him in a couple of social settings. Now that I have read about the horrific crimes he subjected young women to, I’m so grateful that I’ve had nothing to do with him since those few occasions in my 20s. My thoughts go out to all the victims, and I hope there is justice in this.”
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Public Apology
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway issued a public apology for her past friendship with Epstein, acknowledging the distress it had caused her family and expressing remorse. This came after contacts between them were revealed in the latest documents. She admitted to exercising “poor judgment” in her dealings with Epstein.
In a statement released by the royal palace, Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon and mother to Princess Ingrid, who is currently studying in Australia, said:
“It is important for me to say I am sorry to all those I have disappointed. Some of the content in the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be.”
The Norwegian royal family has faced other controversies. Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently on trial for multiple charges, including rape and domestic violence, to which he has pleaded not guilty for the rape charges. He has, however, pleaded guilty to counts of offensive sexual behaviour and driving-related offences. A statement from the palace clarified that while Marius is not a member of the royal family, he is “a citizen of Norway and, as such, has the same responsibilities as everyone else — as well as the same rights.”
