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New allegation surfaces against Prince Andrew
A second woman has come forward, alleging she was sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to engage in a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew at his residence, Royal Lodge, in 2010. The claim was made by her lawyer, Brad Edwards, in an interview with the BBC.
Details of the alleged encounter
The woman, who is not British and was in her 20s at the time, reportedly spent the night with Andrew. According to her lawyer, she was later given a tour of Buckingham Palace and tea. 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."
Buckingham Palace records the names of tour guests, but the BBC has been unable to verify the woman's visit without disclosing her identity. This is the first instance of an Epstein survivor alleging a sexual encounter occurred at a royal residence.
Background and previous allegations
Edwards, who represents over 200 Epstein survivors globally, also represented Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to London to have sex with Andrew in 2001 when she was 17. She claimed two additional encounters with Andrew-once in New York and once on Epstein's private Caribbean island-between 2001 and 2002.
Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl in Florida and completed his sentence in July 2010. Edwards told the BBC that communications existed between his client and Andrew prior to the alleged 2010 encounter. He added that contact with Andrew's legal team in the US ceased after King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles and honors last October.
Royal Family's response and legal implications
In a statement last October, Buckingham Palace said the removal of Andrew's titles was "deemed necessary," despite his continued denial of the allegations. The Palace also stated, "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."
Edwards criticized the decision to strip Andrew of his titles, arguing it has enabled him to claim financial incapacity to compensate victims. "The idea that the Royal Family 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," he said.
Next steps and legal considerations
Edwards revealed he is considering filing a civil lawsuit on behalf of the woman against Andrew. This follows Giuffre's 2021 lawsuit, which was settled in February 2022 for an estimated £12 million. Giuffre died by suicide last year.
Andrew has consistently denied Giuffre's allegations. The BBC has sought comment from Andrew regarding the new accusations but has not received a response.
