Prince William touched down in Riyadh on February 9, 2026, for his first official visit to Saudi Arabia as the Prince of Wales, embarking on a three-day diplomatic mission aimed at bolstering economic and strategic ties between Britain and the Gulf kingdom. The trip, requested by the British government, comes at a pivotal moment in UK-Saudi relations, with both nations eyeing deeper cooperation in trade, energy, investment, and climate initiatives ahead of the centenary of formal diplomatic relations next year.

Yet the visit has been immediately overshadowed by fresh turmoil within the British royal family. Just hours before William’s arrival, Kensington Palace issued a rare and pointed statement on behalf of the Prince and Princess of Wales, declaring that they are “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations” surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. The brief release, delivered to journalists in Riyadh, marked the couple’s first public comment on the escalating scandal tied to William’s uncle, the former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The timing could hardly be more fraught. In late January 2026, the US Department of Justice released over three million pages of documents from its investigation into Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019. These files have reignited global scrutiny of Epstein’s network of powerful associates, with new details emerging about Andrew’s prolonged correspondence and interactions with the financier—even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Particularly damaging are allegations that Andrew, during his tenure as Britain’s special trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, may have passed sensitive or confidential trade reports to Epstein. Emails reportedly show exchanges from a 2010 Southeast Asia tour, where Andrew shared documents that could have included commercially or diplomatically sensitive information. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing these claims, while Buckingham Palace indicated that King Charles III would support any police inquiries. The developments have prompted intense media coverage, with some outlets describing the royal family’s position as one of “extreme concern” over the potential reputational damage and broader implications for the monarchy’s image.

William’s statement, issued through a spokesperson, emphasized solidarity with Epstein’s victims: “The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.” Sources close to the couple suggest William is appalled by the scale of his uncle’s involvement revealed in the files, viewing the situation as a persistent threat to the institution he is destined to lead. The release appears designed to distance William and Catherine from the controversy, allowing the Prince to proceed with his diplomatic agenda without being seen as indifferent to the crisis.

The Saudi visit itself carries significant weight. William met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Diriyah, touring the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif and receiving briefings on major development projects. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral partnerships, including opportunities in renewable energy, technology, and defense. Saudi Arabia remains a key player in global energy markets, and Britain seeks to expand post-Brexit trade links while navigating complex geopolitical realities.

Observers note that the trip highlights the use of royal “soft power” in diplomacy. As heir to the throne, William’s presence signals long-term commitment from the UK, even amid domestic controversies. Yet the Epstein fallout risks undermining that message, with commentators questioning whether the scandal could distract from the visit’s objectives or raise awkward parallels about associations with controversial figures.

Andrew’s ties to Epstein have haunted the royal family for years. Stripped of his military titles and patronages in 2022 following a civil settlement with accuser Virginia Giuffre, the former Duke of York has faced ongoing exclusion from public royal life. Recent documents have intensified calls for further accountability, including suggestions that he may have entertained victims at his Royal Lodge residence and maintained communications that extended beyond mere acquaintance.

The Palace’s response reflects a broader strategy to insulate the core working royals—William, Catherine, and King Charles—from the fallout. By breaking years of silence on the issue precisely as William arrived in Riyadh, the statement aims to project transparency and empathy while redirecting attention toward positive diplomatic engagement.

Public reaction has been mixed. Supporters praise William for addressing the matter head-on, seeing it as evidence of his commitment to modernizing the monarchy and prioritizing victims. Critics, however, point to the timing as convenient, suggesting the statement was crafted to preempt questions during the high-profile trip. Social media has buzzed with speculation about internal royal tensions, with some users highlighting the contrast between William’s forward-looking diplomacy and the lingering shadows of past associations.

As the three-day visit unfolds, William will participate in further meetings, cultural engagements, and discussions on shared priorities like environmental sustainability—areas where he has long championed action. The Saudi leg marks his first solo overseas tour of 2026, underscoring his growing role in international representation.

For the monarchy, the episode underscores ongoing challenges in managing legacy scandals while projecting stability and relevance. William’s handling of the situation—combining a measured public response with focused diplomatic work—may well define how future crises are navigated under his eventual reign.

Ultimately, the Saudi visit represents both opportunity and test. Amid deepening bilateral ties, the Epstein revelations serve as a stark reminder that royal reputations remain vulnerable to historical entanglements. How the family continues to address these issues will shape public trust in the years ahead.