Police Launch Assessment into Alleged Sex Trafficking Involving Prince Andrew
Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are actively reviewing reports that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein dispatched a second woman to the United Kingdom for a purported sexual encounter with Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. The investigation centres on allegations that the incident occurred at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, a property used by the disgraced royal.
Details of the Alleged Encounter and Palace Tour
The latest accuser, who is not a British national and was in her twenties at the time, claims to have spent a night with Prince Andrew on royal property in 2010. According to lawyer Brad Edwards, who previously represented accuser Virginia Giuffre, the woman was subsequently given a tour of Buckingham Palace. Edwards stated to BBC News that this represents a significant development, as it would mark the first instance where an Epstein survivor alleges an encounter took place inside a royal residence.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police provided a formal statement, saying: "We are aware of reports about a woman said to have been taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures. We take any reports of sexual crimes extremely seriously and encourage anyone with information to come forward." The force emphasised that, at this stage, neither the lawyer nor the client has formally reported these allegations to them, and the review does not automatically guarantee a full criminal investigation will follow.
Legal Pressure and Historical Context
Brad Edwards, in an interview with the Daily Mail, has urged Prince Andrew and the Royal Family to engage in discussions about the case promptly, warning of potential legal action if they do not. He remarked: "I'm hoping some time this week that somebody on behalf of the Palace will reach out and say, 'let's figure this out'." Edwards further alleged that there were communications between the woman and Prince Andrew prior to the night in question, and he is considering filing a lawsuit on his client's behalf.
This development adds to the mounting pressure on Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations in 2022. He has consistently and strenuously denied all allegations of wrongdoing related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Previously, he faced direct accusations only from Virginia Giuffre, with whom he settled a civil case in 2022 for a reported sum exceeding £12 million, without admitting liability. Giuffre tragically died by suicide in April last year.
Broader Implications and Recent Revelations
The allegations emerge amid the ongoing fallout from the release of millions of documents in the 'Epstein files', which have implicated numerous high-profile individuals. These files include photographs depicting Prince Andrew in compromising positions and an email from Epstein in 2010 offering to arrange a meeting with a woman described as "26, russian, clevere [sic] beautiful, trustworthy". A representative for Buckingham Palace has directed inquiries to a previous statement, which expressed the Royal Family's sympathies for victims of abuse while noting Prince Andrew's continued denial of the allegations.
As Thames Valley Police continues its assessment, the case underscores the lingering controversies surrounding Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and raises serious questions about accountability and justice for alleged victims. The outcome of this police review could have significant ramifications for both the royal individual involved and the institution of the monarchy itself.
