A second woman has come forward with allegations that she was sent to the UK by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein to engage in sexual relations with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Her claims, revealed through her legal representative, add to the growing controversy surrounding the former prince and his associations with Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Details of the Allegation
In a statement to the BBC, the woman, who was in her twenties at the time of the alleged incident in 2010, described spending a night at Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence, Royal Lodge. Her lawyer, Brad Edwards, indicated that following this encounter, she was shown around Buckingham Palace and enjoyed tea there.
“This marks the first occasion where an accuser has alleged a sexual encounter at a royal residence,” Edwards stated, emphasising the seriousness of the claim. The lawyer, who represents over 200 Epstein survivors worldwide, previously acted on behalf of Virginia Giuffre, another prominent accuser who alleged sexual encounters with Prince Andrew.
Legal Implications and Responses
Edwards noted that there was prior communication between his client and Mountbatten-Windsor before the alleged encounter. However, subsequent communications ceased after King Charles III stripped the former prince of his royal titles and honours in October 2022, following the publication of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. Edwards is now contemplating filing a civil lawsuit against Mountbatten-Windsor on behalf of his client.
Attempts to reach Mountbatten-Windsor for comment have not yielded a response. Buckingham Palace, which typically keeps records of tour guests, has not confirmed or denied the woman’s presence during a visit, citing privacy concerns.
Context of Previous Allegations
This latest claim follows Giuffre’s allegations, in which she stated she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor when she was just 17. Giuffre accused the former prince of engaging in sexual activities with her multiple times between 2001 and 2002. The case was settled in February 2022 for a reported £12 million, although Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Since Epstein’s death in 2019, the fallout from his crimes continues to reverberate, casting a long shadow over those associated with him. Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein remain a focal point of public scrutiny.
Why it Matters
These new allegations against Prince Andrew not only deepen the scandal surrounding his connections to Epstein but also raise significant questions about accountability and the implications of royal privilege. As public interest persists, the royal family faces increasing pressure to address these allegations transparently. The potential for legal action could further complicate Mountbatten-Windsor’s already tarnished reputation and the monarchy’s standing in the eyes of the public.
