The release of millions of pages of documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has triggered statements from royal houses across Europe.
The first major public release of Epstein‑related government files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act happened on 19 December 2025. On that date, the US Department of Justice published thousands of documents, photos and related materials.
A second, much larger tranche containing over three million pages of documents, images and videos was released on 30 January 2026. This has been described by the DOJ as the final major batch under the disclosure law.
The latest batch has laid bare a web of emails, invitations and contact lists that include names far beyond political and business elites.
Being named in the documents does not indicate any wrongdoing. However, the release has prompted members of several monarchies to make statements and, in some cases, apologies.
King Charles and Queen Camilla
Buckingham Palace has stated it will support any police inquiry into claims arising from the latest tranche of Epstein documents. King Charles made clear the family would assist authorities “as you would expect.”
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
On 30 October, 2025, the palace announced that King Charles had begun the formal process to remove royal titles of Prince Andrew, now Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
“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,” the statement read.
Prince Edward
The brother of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was the first to speak publicly about the newly released files. He was asked to comment while speaking 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,” he said in response to CNN’s Eleni Giokos’s question.
“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. “
Prince and Princess of Wales
The Prince William and Princess Catherine made their first public statement on the scandal via a spokesperson.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson released a two-line statement following the release of more of the Epstein files, as published by the BBC:
“I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Sarah Ferguson
Former Duchess Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, hasn’t issued a new statement in direct response to the newly released files. However, previous correspondence revealed in the documents showed a more familiar relationship with Epstein at the time. For this, she expressed regret and, in a statement reported by GB News, described it as a “gigantic error of judgment.”
Since this relationship was revealed, Sarah has wound down down six businesses including PR firm S. Phoenix Events Ltd, Planet Partners Productions Ltd, SolamoonLtd, Gergie’s Farm Ltd, Ginger and Moss Ltd, and La Luna Investments Ltd, according to documents filed with UK’s Companies House. She has been dropped as patron of charities and shut down her own foundation.
It reportedly still retains Loonasol Ltd and “artistic creation” company, Librasol Ltd.
Princess Sofia of Sweden
Princess Sofia of Sweden spoke publicly for the first time about her limited encounters with Epstein, clarifying that she met him a few times socially in her early 20s, stressed she had no dependent relationship with him, and expressed horror at his crimes.
“I met him in a couple of social settings,” she said to TV4. “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
Crown Princess Mette‑Marit of Norway issued a public apology for her past friendship with Epstein, acknowledging the damage it caused her family and expressing remorse, after contacts were revealed in the latest documents. She has admitted “poor judgment” in relation to Epstein.
“I also apologise for the situation that I have put the royal family in, especially the King and Queen,” Mette-Marit said in a statement released by the royal palace. Mette-Marit is married to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne. Their daughter, Princess Ingrid, is attending university in Sydney, Australia.
“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.”
This isn’t the only scandal in which the Norwegian royal family are embroiled. Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently on trial for rape and domestic violence. He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and one count of domestic violence. He has pleaded guilty to a count of offensive sexual behaviour, driving without a valid licence, and driving too fast, among others. In a statement from the palace, the Crown Prince clarified that Marius is not a member of the royal family, but he is “a citizen of Norway and, as such, has the same responsibilities as everyone else — as well as the same rights.”
