A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse has urged Buckingham Palace to actively search through files and emails associated with Prince Andrew’s relationship with the convicted sex offender. Juliette Bryant, who claims she was victimised by Epstein in the early 2000s, expressed her desire for more substantial action following a recent statement from King Charles III indicating his willingness to assist law enforcement with the ongoing investigation into his brother.
Survivor’s Plea for Accountability
Speaking from her home in Cape Town, South Africa, Bryant welcomed the monarch’s statement but stressed the need for tangible actions. “It’s great that they’ve made a statement, finally,” she told the BBC. “But the question remains, will they actually follow through?” Bryant, who has no allegations against Prince Andrew herself, emphasised the importance of the Palace taking steps to uncover the truth surrounding Epstein’s network.
She highlighted the necessity for the authorities to thoroughly review Andrew’s files and communications. “They need to go through all Prince Andrew’s files and emails,” she stated, pointing out that investigators had previously examined her own correspondence regarding Epstein. “It’s about time they scrutinise his information, given that he was Epstein’s friend,” Bryant added. “If there is nothing to hide, they should release the information.”
Royal Response and Public Sentiment
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace reaffirmed the King’s commitment to addressing the allegations against Prince Andrew. “The King has expressed, both in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern regarding the allegations emerging about Mr Mountbatten-Windsor,” the spokesperson said. They also noted that the Palace would offer support to the Thames Valley Police should they request assistance.
The recent comments from the Palace have been met with cautious optimism from advocates for Epstein’s survivors. Amy Wallace, co-author of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre, acknowledged the Palace’s intensified response during a segment on BBC Woman’s Hour. She remarked that the statement directly addressed Andrew, rather than merely expressing concern for survivors, a shift that could signify a more serious approach to the allegations.
However, Wallace expressed scepticism over whether Andrew would cooperate with calls for him to testify in the United States about his connections to Epstein. “The only thing that might compel him to do so is if King Charles insists upon it,” she noted.
New Revelations About Epstein’s Network
Recent disclosures from the US Department of Justice, which released over three million files related to Epstein last month, have reignited public interest in the case. Among the newly revealed documents are photographs of Prince Andrew in compromising situations and details suggesting he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy.
Bryant, who was only 20 when she first encountered Epstein, recounted her traumatic experiences at his properties in the Caribbean and New Mexico. “He was a mastermind criminal and highly manipulative,” she explained, describing her feelings of vulnerability during the abuse. “I felt like a scared mouse around a snake.”
She also pointed out the significant role played by Epstein’s former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, in her own victimisation. Currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, Maxwell has been under scrutiny as lawmakers in the US continue to call for accountability from all parties involved in Epstein’s exploitation of young women.
Why it Matters
The calls for Buckingham Palace to investigate Prince Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein underscore a growing demand for accountability in the face of abuse. As more survivors come forward, the pressure on the Royal Family to act decisively is mounting. This situation not only concerns the individuals directly involved but also reflects broader societal issues regarding power, privilege, and the imperative for justice for victims of sexual abuse. The outcome of this situation may set crucial precedents for how institutions respond to allegations of misconduct and support survivors in their pursuit of truth and justice.
