'Terrible Thing...': Trump 'Feels Badly' For UK Royals Over Andrew–Epstein Saga

Last Updated:November 03, 2025, 16:48 IST

UK govt have confirmed plans to remove Andrew’s final honorary military post as vice-admiral, following the king’s decision to revoke his princely title

US President Donald Trump, right, and first lady Melania Trump, left, accompanied by Britain's Prince Andrew. (AP file photo)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed sympathy for Britain’s royal family after King Charles III stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal title and remaining honours over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he “felt badly" for the family, calling the situation “terrible" and “tragic."

“I feel very badly. I mean, it’s a terrible thing that’s happened to the family," the US president said. “That’s been a tragic situation, and it’s too bad. I mean, I feel badly for the family."

Trump’s remarks came shortly after the British government confirmed plans to remove Andrew’s final honorary military post as vice-admiral, following the king’s decision to revoke his princely title. The move formally ends Andrew’s official ties with the monarchy and the armed forces.

Trump, who has often spoken warmly about Britain’s royal family, was hosted by King Charles for a lavish state visit in September that included a banquet at Windsor Castle and a ceremonial flypast.

However, Trump himself has faced renewed scrutiny over his past association with Epstein, the American financier who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking of minors. The Trump administration recently said it had found no new evidence warranting a fresh investigation into Epstein’s death, which authorities ruled a suicide.

Epstein’s death has long fuelled conspiracy theories among Trump’s supporters, with some claiming he was silenced to protect powerful figures. Trump has dismissed any allegations linking him to the case as a “hoax" spread by his political opponents.

Prince Andrew’s friendship with Epstein has been a source of deep controversy in Britain. King Charles last week removed all of his brother’s remaining royal privileges and asked him to vacate his residence on the Windsor estate.

UK Defence Minister John Healey confirmed that the government was working to withdraw Andrew’s final military title “under the King’s guidance."

Andrew, once celebrated for his military service as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot during the Falklands War, has consistently denied accusations by Virginia Giuffre, who had claimed she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the prince when she was 17.

(With inputs from AFP)

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