Britain's Prince William met Saudi Arabia's de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, kicking off a visit aimed at deepening economic cooperation but overshadowed by his disgraced uncle Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) released images of Prince Mohammed giving the heir to the British throne a private tour of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site at Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi state, before a meeting between the two royals.

It is William's first official trip to Saudi Arabia, and ahead of his arrival in Riyadh, Kensington Palace broke years of silence over Andrew's links to the late US convicted sex offender by saying William and his wife Catherine were "deeply concerned by the continuing revelations".

The short statement, which did not directly reference the ex-prince Andrew, came as the monarchy faces renewed pressure over allegations........

© Al Monitor