A second woman has come forward, alleging that Jeffrey Epstein facilitated her travel to the UK for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew, according to her attorney. This incident reportedly took place at Andrew’s residence, Royal Lodge, in 2010, marking a troubling addition to the ongoing scandal surrounding the former royal’s associations with Epstein.
Details of the Allegation
The woman, who remains unnamed and is not a British citizen, claims she was in her 20s at the time of the alleged encounter. Her lawyer, Brad Edwards, representing over 200 survivors of Epstein’s abuse, stated that after spending the night with Prince Andrew, she was given a tour of Buckingham Palace and treated to tea. “We’re talking about at least one woman who was sent by Jeffrey Epstein over to Prince Andrew,” Edwards remarked, highlighting the gravity of the accusation.
While Buckingham Palace maintains a record of guests for tours, the BBC has been unable to verify this specific claim without disclosing the woman’s identity. This latest account is significant, as it marks the first instance in which an Epstein survivor has alleged a sexual encounter occurring at a royal residence.
Connections to Previous Allegations
Brad Edwards previously represented Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that she was trafficked to Prince Andrew in London in 2001 when she was just 17 years old. Giuffre accused Andrew of engaging in sexual acts with her on multiple occasions, including once in New York and another time on Epstein’s private island. Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting sex from a minor, died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for further charges.
The lawyer indicated that prior to the incident in question, there had been communications between his client and Prince Andrew. However, these discussions ceased following King Charles III’s decision to strip Andrew of his royal titles in October 2022, a move that Edwards suggested has left the former prince isolated from his legal representation.
The Royal Response
In a statement regarding the removal of Andrew’s titles, Buckingham Palace expressed that such actions were necessary despite Andrew’s persistent denial of the allegations against him. This decision followed the release of Giuffre’s memoir and her subsequent tragic death last year. Edwards critiqued the royal family, asserting that the removal of titles has not only failed to address the needs of the victims but has also enabled Andrew to claim he lacks the financial means to provide restitution.
The palace has expressed sympathy for victims of abuse, reinforcing its stance that it cares for those affected. However, critics argue that the actions taken thus far do not align with this sentiment.
Potential Legal Action
Edwards is now contemplating filing a civil lawsuit on behalf of the woman against Prince Andrew, echoing the legal maneuvers previously taken by Giuffre. In her own case, she reached a settlement in February 2022, reportedly amounting to £12 million.
The attorney’s current focus on legal recourse highlights the ongoing pursuit of justice by Epstein’s survivors, whose stories continue to resonate in public discourse.
Why it Matters
This recent allegation against Prince Andrew adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal. As more survivors come forward, the implications for the royal family, public trust, and the legal system are profound. The case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for accountability and support for victims of abuse, as well as the broader societal obligation to confront and address such allegations decisively.
