Prince William Breaks Royal Tradition

Prince William has made headlines by breaking a longstanding royal tradition, which has been upheld by Queen Elizabeth throughout her reign. In a significant shift, William and his wife, Kate Middleton, released a statement expressing support for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.

Modernizing the Monarchy

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich commented on this departure from the traditional royal motto, “never complain, never explain.” According to Fordwich, this statement indicates William’s commitment to modernization within the monarchy, aligning their position with that of the victims. She emphasized that this step demonstrates his moral authority and hinted that he would refrain from protecting his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, amidst ongoing controversies.

Response to Victim Support

On February 9, 2026, the couple’s statement was made public through a spokesperson. It conveyed their deep concern over the ongoing revelations related to Epstein, stating:

• “Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
• “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.”

Acknowledging Reputational Risks

Despite this supportive statement, William faced heckling during a recent public engagement. Fordwich noted that he views silence regarding such issues as both damning and dangerous for the monarchy. Notably, the couple’s statement was concise and avoided naming Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, which indicates a clear stance against his association with Epstein.

Recent developments revealed extensive documentation related to Epstein, with 3.5 million pages released by the Department of Justice in late January 2026. While Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing, the documents present conflicting information about his interactions with Epstein.

Unified Stance Against Abuse

Fordwich expressed hope that the royal family would continue to shift away from Andrew’s public role. William’s wishes to distance the monarchy from Andrew’s scandal have already led to the removal of titles and patronages associated with him. The expert highlighted that both William and Kate share a unified stance against their uncle’s behavior with legitimate public concern.

Kate Middleton’s perspective as a non-royal by birth bolsters her moral standpoint alongside William. This partnership solidifies their united front in confronting issues of abuse and supporting victims.

Prince Andrew continues to face scrutiny as he denies any wrongdoing related to the Epstein case. For those affected by sexual assault, resources are available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

The evolving narrative surrounding the royal family reflects significant changes in royal communication strategies, moving towards a more transparent and empathetic approach in dealing with sensitive issues.