A second woman has come forward with allegations that she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to the United Kingdom to spend a night with Prince Andrew, according to her legal representative. This development marks a significant escalation in the long-running scandal surrounding the disgraced financier and the former royal.
New Allegations Surface from Epstein Survivor
Brad Edwards, the attorney representing the latest alleged victim, disclosed to BBC News that his client was sent by Epstein specifically to have a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Following their night together at his Royal Lodge residence, the woman was reportedly given a tour of Buckingham Palace. This represents the first time an Epstein survivor has claimed an incident occurred within a royal property.
Details of the Alleged Encounter
According to the BBC report, the woman is not British and was in her twenties at the time of the alleged incident. Mr Edwards stated: 'We're talking about at least one woman who was sent by Jeffrey Epstein over to Prince Andrew. And she even had, after a night with Prince Andrew, a tour of Buckingham Palace.'
The lawyer revealed there were communications between the woman and the former prince ahead of the night she claims to have spent with him. He is now considering filing a lawsuit against Andrew on his client's behalf.
Andrew's Response and Legal History
Prince Andrew, who was stripped of all his royal titles last year, has consistently and strenuously denied all allegations of wrongdoing relating to his relationship with Epstein. Previously, he had only directly faced accusations from Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April last year, six months before her memoir Nobody's Girl was published.
In 2022, Andrew settled a civil case filed against him by Giuffre without admission of liability for an undisclosed sum, reported to be more than £12 million. Mr Edwards, who also represented Giuffre before her death, expressed frustration with the royal family's handling of the situation.
Criticism of Royal Family's Actions
The lawyer claimed he had contacted 'certain legal counsel' for Andrew regarding the new allegations but added he had 'seemingly been disconnected from his lawyers.' He suggested this disconnect occurred after Andrew's titles were stripped by King Charles last year.
Mr Edwards criticised this move, stating: 'So the idea that the Royal Family so far cares about the victims, wanted to make things right – what they have done by simply stripping Prince Andrew of his titles and nothing more, has had the exact opposite effect of what they claim they are trying to do.'
Political Pressure Mounts
Additional pressure has been heaped on Andrew following the publication of millions more documents in the 'Epstein files,' including controversial photographs. Yesterday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested the ex-prince should testify before the US Congress about his friendship with Epstein.
The Prime Minister stated: 'Firstly I always approach this question with the victims of Epstein's in mind. Epstein's victims have to be the first priority. Whether there should be an apology, that's a matter for Andrew. But, yes, in terms of testifying, I've always said anybody who's got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they're asked to do that because you can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that.'
Royal Family's Official Position
A representative for Buckingham Palace directed inquiries toward the statement released at the time of Andrew's title removal, which said: 'These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him. Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.'
The emergence of this second accuser adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing Epstein scandal and raises further questions about accountability within royal circles. As legal considerations progress, this case continues to attract significant public and political attention in both the UK and internationally.
