The Prince of Wales arrived in Saudi Arabia, aiming to move past the Epstein scandal, even avoiding questions about his controversial uncle posed by a reporter. Epstein, the wealthy convicted sex offender, had connections with various royal families worldwide, as revealed in a recent report by The New York Times.
Among the disclosed emails was one from Epstein to billionaire Tom Pritzker in 2016, mentioning a gift sent by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS. While navigating questions about his family’s controversies, Prince William embarked on a delicate diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia.
During his trip, Prince William engaged in various activities, including meeting young female footballers in Riyadh. This event seemed to showcase the progress made in women’s rights under MBS’s reforms, such as women attending sports events and participating in physical education since recent years.
Despite these advancements, Saudi Arabia still ranks low on the Global Gender Gap Index. The country has made changes to the concept of guardianship, but challenges remain regarding women’s rights in areas like marriage, divorce, and sexual consent. LGBTQ+ rights are virtually non-existent, with severe penalties imposed on those found guilty.
The visit also raised questions about the portrayal of a modern and progressive Saudi Arabia, amidst criticisms of human rights abuses and controversial events like the Riyadh Comedy Festival. This trip can be seen as a form of image management, aligning with the “washing” practices observed in various sectors like arts, sports, and tourism.
As Prince William carried out his official engagements in Saudi Arabia, discussions arose about the potential impact of showcasing a royal figure like Princess Kate in promoting a positive image of the country. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the absence of Kate, who reportedly stayed back in the UK to tend to their children.