US President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the British royal family after King Charles III revoked his brother Prince Andrew’s remaining royal titles due to his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“I feel very badly. I mean, it’s a terrible thing that’s happened to the family,” Trump said Sunday aboard Air Force One when asked about the scandal. “That’s been a tragic situation, and it’s too bad. I mean, I feel badly for the family.”
Trump, 79, has faced scrutiny over his own past connections to Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for alleged sex trafficking of underage girls. Authorities ruled Epstein’s death a suicide, though conspiracy theories have circulated among some of Trump’s supporters. The former president has consistently denied any wrongdoing and dismissed allegations as a political “hoax” by Democrats.
The British government confirmed it will strip Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, of his honorary military title of vice-admiral, the last remaining rank he held. Earlier, Andrew had lost all other military titles following a lawsuit from Epstein’s main accuser, Virginia Giuffre, in 2022.
Prince Andrew, once celebrated for his service as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War, retired in 2001 after 22 years. He has consistently denied Giuffre’s claims of sexual abuse, which she detailed in her posthumous memoir published last month.
Trump has often expressed admiration for Britain’s royal family. During his state visit in September, he received a full state dinner at Windsor Castle, observed military parades, and witnessed a flyover, underscoring his longstanding ties to the monarchy.
Defence Minister John Healey told the BBC Sunday that, guided by King Charles, efforts are now underway to remove Andrew’s final title of vice-admiral. The king had previously removed all remaining royal titles and honours and ousted Andrew from his long-term residence on the Windsor estate.
The revocation of Andrew’s titles marks the latest chapter in a scandal that has overshadowed both the British monarchy and, indirectly, Trump’s own political career. The Epstein case remains a point of controversy, linking high-profile figures across the US and UK, and fueling public scrutiny of their associations.
Trump’s comments reflect a rare moment of public empathy for the royal family, even as he maintains distance from the wider fallout of the Epstein scandal. Analysts note that his remarks could be seen as a gesture of support for the monarchy while avoiding direct engagement with ongoing legal matters connected to Epstein.
As Prince Andrew faces further removal of his honorary positions, the royal family continues to navigate the repercussions of the Epstein affair, balancing public image, legal considerations, and historical legacy.
