The Prince and Princess of Wales are "deeply concerned" by the ongoing revelations from the Epstein files.

Prince William is to make his first official visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday (09.02.26) and ahead of the high-profile trip, he has released his first statement addressing the scandal, including claims about his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, such as allegations he shared sensitive information with the disgraced financier from his role as a UK trade envoy, and that his pal sent a second woman to the UK for a sexual encounter with him.

A spokesperson for William and his wife Catherine told media: "I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."

The Epstein files are a collection of documents - including interviews with witnesses and victims, emails and items confiscated from Epstein's properties - which have been made public by the United States Department of Justice.

Andrew - who has denied any wrongdoing - was stripped of his title and royal provileges by his brother, King Charles, last October, and is now living in exile on the Sandringham Estate due to the scandal.

The king's spokesman said at the time: "These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.

"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."

Andrew - who had stepped back from public life in 2019 in the wake of an interview on UK TV show Newsnight, in which he defended his friendship with Epstein - said in his own statement: "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.

"I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.

"With His Majesty's agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."

Last week, the 65-year-old former prince's younger brother, Prince Edward, pledged his support to Epstein's victims.

The Duke of Edinburgh told CNN: "I think it's really important, always, to remember the victims, and who are the victims in all this? A lot of victims in this."