Buckingham Palace has not commented since the publication of the Epstein files thrust former Prince Andrew’s relationship with the late sex offender back into the spotlight. However, Prince Edward has now become the first royal to publicly address the release of the files in comments made at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

“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,” Edward began when questioned on the Palace’s response to the Epstein stories that have been “dominating the headlines” by CNN correspondent Eleni Giokos. Edward continued, “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.”

Edward, 61, was on stage as a speaker at the event in Dubai when he was put on the spot over his brother’s links to Epstein. Buckingham Palace has not said anything about the scandal, telling journalists asking about Andrew that they no longer speak for him. The working royals have been continuing with their engagements as usual, and today was the first time any of them have been asked about Epstein during a public appearance.

The 3.5 million pages of files show the extent of Andrew’s contact with Epstein – including after he was convicted of child sex offenses in 2008. Emails show that Epstein offered to set Andrew up with a “clevere [sic] beautiful, trustworthy” Russian woman and that Andrew offered Buckingham Palace as a location for a 2010 dinner.

Perhaps most damaging is the content the correspondence which shows Andrew communicating with Epstein after December 2010—when he told Newsnight he had cut Epstein off.

Andrew has always denied any allegations against him. He was stripped of all his titles in October of last year by his brother King Charles. “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the Palace said at the time, adding, “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.”

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.