The Prince of Wales is currently in Saudi Arabia, attempting to distance himself from the Epstein scandal. During a recent encounter with a reporter, he evaded a question about his controversial uncle. Epstein, the wealthy paedophile, had connections with various royal families worldwide, as revealed in recently released files.
A report by The New York Times titled ‘A Look Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Lair’ disclosed a framed photograph of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, displayed in Epstein’s New York residence. Epstein boasted about receiving lavish gifts from MBS in emails, including a tent with carpets.
Upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, Prince Charles was without his wife, Kate Middleton, who stayed back in the UK with their children. The decision may have been influenced by past controversies, such as the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which faced criticism for whitewashing the country’s human rights issues.
During his visit, Prince Charles engaged with young female footballers as part of a public relations effort to showcase advancements in women’s rights under MBS’s reforms. Despite some progress, Saudi Arabia still ranks low on the Global Gender Gap Index.
The country’s strict guardianship system, though undergoing reforms, continues to limit women’s autonomy in crucial matters. LGBTQ+ rights are virtually nonexistent, with severe penalties for homosexuality. MBS utilizes various events like sports tournaments and cultural showcases to project a modern image of Saudi Arabia globally.
Amidst terms like ‘artswashing’ and ‘sportswashing’, the royal visit can be seen as an attempt at ‘Royal-washing’, where diplomatic relations overshadow human rights concerns. Questions arise about the motives behind keeping Princess Kate away from potential photo opportunities and whether the royal children truly needed her presence for schoolwork.