Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, has become the first senior member of the British Royal Family to comment publicly after a new U.S. Department of Justice release of Epstein-related records renewed scrutiny around Prince Andrew. The DOJ said it published over 3 million additional pages on January 30, 2026, bringing the overall total close to 3.5 million pages, including thousands of videos and images, as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act process. The documents have prompted fresh headlines because Andrew and others are referenced within the material, though experts and officials have repeatedly noted that being named in such files does not automatically prove wrongdoing.

Asked about the developments while attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 3, 2026, Edward did not weigh in on specific allegations. Instead, he stressed that it is “really important” to keep the focus on victims and survivors, emphasizing that the human cost should not be overshadowed by the attention on famous names. The renewed attention also comes against the backdrop of the Palace’s earlier message, issued when King Charles removed Andrew’s remaining titles and honours in October 2025, stating that the King and Queen’s “utmost sympathies” remain with “victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”