Prince Charles is currently in Saudi Arabia, seeking to distance himself from the Epstein scandal. During a press event, he skillfully avoided a question about his controversial uncle. However, it is not just Prince Charles who has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The convicted child sex offender had connections with various royal families in Europe and the Middle East.
Recently, a report by The New York Times titled ‘A Look Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Lair’ revealed a framed photograph of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, in Epstein’s New York mansion. Among the disclosed emails was one from Epstein to billionaire Tom Pritzker in December 2016, mentioning a gift sent by MBS.
While navigating questions about Prince Andrew, Prince William embarked on a delicate diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia. Notably, his wife Kate Middleton did not accompany him, reportedly staying in the UK to care for their children. This decision may have been influenced by past controversies, such as the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which faced criticism for potentially whitewashing Saudi Arabia’s human rights issues.
During his visit, Prince Charles engaged with young female footballers in Riyadh, showcasing the progress in women’s rights under MBS’s reforms. Despite advancements like women attending sports events and driving, Saudi Arabia still ranks low on global gender equality indexes.
The country’s ‘wilaya’ system, where women are under male guardianship, has seen some reforms, but significant restrictions remain. LGBTQ+ rights are virtually non-existent, with severe penalties for same-sex relationships. MBS’s strategic events, from entertainment shows to sports tournaments, aim to portray Saudi Arabia as a modern nation, despite ongoing human rights concerns.
In the context of various ‘washing’ tactics, including ‘artswashing’ and ‘sportswashing,’ Prince Charles’s visit can be seen as a form of ‘Royal-washing.’ The real debate centers on whether the Royal Family’s absence deprived Saudi Arabia of a positive image or if it was a matter of family obligations.