Prince Edward Makes Rare Comment About Epstein Scandal

(Image credit: Getty Images)

King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family have not yet spoken out after emails and photos involving Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were released as part of the Epstein files this weekend. But while attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 3, Prince Edward was questioned by a CNN journalist about how he was "coping" during the "difficult" and "close to home" situation.

The Duke of Edinburgh kept his response vague and did not mention his brother, replying, "Well, with the best will in the world, I’m not sure this is the audience that is the least bit interested in that," per CNN.

He added, "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."

Prince Edward walking in a brown coat and plaid scarf on Christmas day 2025 — Prince Edward is pictured on Christmas Day 2025.

Sarah Ferguson walking behind Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor along a fence — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson are pictured attending Easter services at Windsor Castle in 2025.

Prince Edward is in the United Arab Emirates to support the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation. The duke serves as chairman of the organization's board of trustees and will be championing "the importance of education, particularly non-formal education and experiential learning, to develop skills and opportunities for young people worldwide," per Buckingham Palace.

Over the weekend, photos of the former Duke of York kneeling over a woman on the ground were released as well as numerous emails involving both Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

In one message, Ferguson allegedly wrote to Epstein: "You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me." Other emails mentioned introducing Andrew to a 26-year-old Russian woman, and the ex-duke reportedly wrote to Epstein: "Wish I was still a pet in your family."

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Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.