Much of the work of the Royal family in recent weeks has been overshadowed by the ongoing Epstein scandal, reignited when the United States authorities released millions of documents associated with Epstein, a convicted paedophile.
The Royal family has attempted to draw a line under the crisis, and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, the King’s disgraced brother, was stripped of his titles in December after years of being subject to allegations involving Epstein.
Before the visit on Monday, the Prince and Princess of Wales issued their first public statement about the scandal.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
The statement was issued a few hours ahead of the Prince’s arrival in Riyadh on Monday, and there was a sense that Kensington Palace wanted the position of the Prince and Princess to be known so the Prince could focus on the trip, aimed at strengthening UK ties with a key Middle East ally.
The Kensington Palace statement was followed by one from Buckingham Palace in which the King made clear his “profound concern” at allegations about his brother’s conduct, with the Palace saying it would “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims.
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