In a notable departure from traditional royal practices, Prince William has publicly distanced himself from his uncle, Prince Andrew, calling him 'despicable' and choosing instead to support the victims associated with Jeffrey Epstein. This shift, highlighted by royal expert Hilary Fordwich, marks a significant move against the longstanding royal tradition of maintaining silence on controversial family matters. William’s approach reflects a growing pressure on the monarchy to modernize and publicly align with social justice causes.

Fordwich explains that the influence of Princess Catherine plays a key role in William’s decision-making, suggesting that they are both committed to altering the public perception of the royal family. By issuing a public statement supporting victims, William aims to communicate moral authority and empathy, recognizing that failure to act can harm the monarchy’s reputation. His clear stance also aligns him firmly against his uncle's controversial past, indicating he will not take steps to defend Andrew in light of ongoing criticisms.

Despite his proactive stance, William faced backlash, as he was heckled during public appearances even after making statements supporting Epstein’s victims. This indicates that while his efforts may not entirely shield him from public scrutiny, they represent an important step toward accountability and transparency within the royal family, hinting at a potential era of renewed scrutiny and reform within the British monarchy as William approaches kingship.