The royal family’s latest scandal just took another emotional turn.
Prince William has spoken publicly for the first time since his uncle, Prince Andrew, was arrested and questioned over alleged links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein — and let’s just say, he’s not pretending everything is fine.
During a rare red carpet appearance at the BAFTAs alongside Princess Kate, the future king was asked a simple question about whether he’d watched the Oscar-buzzed drama Hamnet. His response raised eyebrows.
“I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment,” William admitted. “I will save it.”
That brief comment said a lot.
The controversy erupted last week after Prince Andrew, formerly the Duke of York, was reportedly questioned by police for 11 hours in connection with his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities also searched multiple royal properties, including Andrew’s former Royal Lodge residence.
The development sent shockwaves through royal circles — and clearly hit close to home for William.
While the Prince of Wales didn’t directly address the investigation, insiders say tensions are running high behind palace walls.
A royal source told The Daily Mail that William is frustrated the scandal continues to linger and fears it will still cast a shadow when he eventually takes the throne.
“This is a mess left behind,” the insider said. “It’s not going away anytime soon.”
If William seemed strained, Kate Middleton appeared composed but emotional for a different reason.
The princess revealed she had watched Hamnet the night before the ceremony — a heartbreaking film about the death of William Shakespeare’s son — and admitted it left her in “floods of tears.”
“I thought it was a bad idea, actually,” she joked. “Ended up with very puffy eyes. It was so beautifully shot. The music as well. The score is fantastic.”
Still, royal watchers noted that while Kate smiled for cameras in a recycled rose-colored Gucci gown, the timing of the appearance felt heavy.
Behind the scenes, there’s another layer of worry: King Charles’ health.
The 77-year-old monarch is continuing his cancer treatment, and insiders say the stress of Andrew’s renewed legal troubles is the last thing he needs.
“They are very concerned about the health of the King and the impact this will be having on him,” one source said. “He is exhausted and it’s draining.”
As a father of three young children, William is also reportedly troubled by the relentless headlines.
“Reading all of this is pretty awful,” a source added. “They are clearly concerned.”
Observers at the BAFTAs noted that while the couple maintained their usual polished appearance, there was an undeniable seriousness to William’s demeanor.
One insider suggested his “not calm” remark wasn’t accidental.
“He would have spoken on behalf of them both,” the source said. “Catherine has kept very quiet.”
For now, the Prince and Princess of Wales are walking a delicate line — balancing public duty, family loyalty, and a scandal that refuses to fade.
And if William’s candid comment is any indication, the pressure behind palace doors is very real.
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