London

Epstein, William and Kate: concerned, we think of the victims. Scottish PM calls for Starmer resignation

William, Prince of Wales, and his wife Catherine have made it known that they are "deeply concerned" about the revelations that have emerged from documents released by the US Department of Justice about the activities and contacts of the paedophile financier who died in prison in 2019

by Nicol Degli Innocenti

Il primo ministro britannico, Keir Starmer. Peter Nicholls/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

3' min read

Translated by AI
Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI
Versione italiana

The British royal family is breaking its silence over the Epstein scandal that has destroyed the reputation of former Prince Andrew, King Charles III's younger brother, and which yesterday led to the resignation of Morgan McSweeney, the powerful chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Also today, the leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, demanded the prime minister's resignation after revelations about links between former British ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein. A request rejected by Downing Street, which let it be known through a spokeswoman that the prime minister is intent on completing his five-year term.

Loading...

William, Prince of Wales, and his wife Catherine have made it known that they are "deeply concerned" about the revelations that have emerged from documents released by the US Department of Justice about the activities and contacts of the paedophile financier who died in prison in 2019. Their thoughts "remain with the victims" of Epstein, the Kensington Palace spokesman stressed.

It is the first time that the heir to the throne expresses his opinion on the thorny Epstein issue, although it is well known that he has long distanced himself from his uncle Andrew and that behind the scenes he convinced his father to take the hard line in an attempt to preserve the reputation of the British Royal Household. Charles III has deprived his brother of the title of prince and evicted him from the villa in the grounds of Windsor Castle where he had lived for decades.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as he is now to be called, has moved to the country on the royal estate at Sandringham, away from London and the media spotlight. The former prince has made no comment on the latest revelations that have emerged from the Epstein documents, which not only implicate him further in the abuse of underage girls lured by the financier, but also show that his friendship with him was more important than his duty as a commercial envoy. Indeed, Andrea, during his trips abroad to promote Britain, had communicated to Epstein confidential information about investment opportunities of which he was aware through his role as a commercial envoy.

William is the second member of the royal family in a few days to mention the scandal. His uncle, Prince Edward, when asked by a journalist, had stated that the important thing is 'always to have Epstein's victims in mind'. However, many commentators wonder whether, given the seriousness of the latest revelations, it would not be appropriate for King Charles to also address the subject.

The day chosen by the heir to the throne to speak is no coincidence: William in fact leaves today for an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the request of the British government. His role is to promote the interests of the United Kingdom but also to forge personal relations with Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The government knows that ministers come and go, but a friendship of the powerful Prince bin Salman with the future King could bring great benefits in the long term.

Epstein, Camera Usa avvia procedimento contro i Clinton per oltraggio

With his statement William thus hopes to divert media attention away from the Epstein scandal and onto his important visit to Saudi Arabia.

Starmer cannot aspire to so much: the premier will today meet behind closed doors with Labour MPs to convince them that he remains the right person to lead the party and the country. For many, however, the premier's apology and the exit of his right-hand man, McSweeney, are not enough.

The premier admitted that he knew that Peter Mandelson, a party veteran, was close friends with Epstein and had kept in touch with him even after his first conviction for paedophilia. Despite this, he had decided to give him the most important post in British diplomacy: ambassador to Washington. A decision that turned out to be catastrophic and could still cost him his chair.

Copyright reserved ©

Brand connect

Loading...

Newsletter

Notizie e approfondimenti sugli avvenimenti politici, economici e finanziari.

Iscriviti