Did Prince Andrew Meet a Second Epstein Victim in the UK?

Thames Valley Police is currently assessing information regarding new allegations against Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following reports by the BBC that a second woman claims she was sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with the prince in 2010. The woman, who was in her 20s at the time and is not British, has yet to be formally identified, and while Prince Andrew has denied wrongdoing in the past, he has not yet responded to these specific allegations.

Last updated: 16 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Thames Valley Police has confirmed that it is "assessing the information" following the allegations made by a second woman, reported to have been sent by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew. This incident allegedly took place at the prince's residence, Royal Lodge, in Windsor in 2010. While the police are aware of the claims, they have stated that these allegations have not yet been formally reported to them, either by the woman or her legal representative.

Key takeaways

Thames Valley Police is evaluating allegations against Prince Andrew related to sexual misconduct.
A second woman claims she was brought to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with the prince.
Prince Andrew has denied all allegations of wrongdoing in the past.

Timeline: how we got here

The allegations against Prince Andrew have been developing over several years. Here is a brief timeline of key events:

2010: The alleged incident with the woman, reportedly sent by Epstein, occurs.
August 2019: Virginia Giuffre publicly accuses Prince Andrew of sexual misconduct, which he denies.
January 2022: Prince Andrew settles a civil lawsuit with Giuffre out of court, reportedly for a sum believed to be around £12 million.
October 2023: New allegations emerge regarding a second woman, prompting Thames Valley Police to assess the information.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent development is the emergence of allegations from a second woman who claims she was brought to the UK at the behest of Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew. This allegation has prompted official scrutiny by Thames Valley Police, who are now assessing the validity of the claims.

What was already established

Previously, Prince Andrew faced accusations from Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with him. Although he has consistently denied these allegations, a civil lawsuit led to a settlement, which did not require an admission of guilt. These new allegations represent an extension of the claims of sexual misconduct associated with Andrew and Epstein.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing allegations against Prince Andrew may contribute to public sentiment regarding the monarchy, especially in light of previous controversies. This could potentially affect the royal family's reputation and public support, particularly among those who are critical of the institution.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses associated with the monarchy, there may be a cautious approach to partnerships and sponsorships as public scrutiny intensifies. The broader implications for the tourism sector, which often capitalises on royal heritage, could also be affected by any negative publicity surrounding Prince Andrew.

Policy and regulation

With the police now involved, there could be potential discussions regarding the policies surrounding accountability for public figures within the royal family. This may prompt calls for greater transparency and oversight of the monarchy's interactions with individuals accused of serious crimes.

Numbers that matter

£12 million: The reported amount Prince Andrew paid to settle a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre.
2: The number of women who have publicly alleged that they were brought to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for sexual encounters with Prince Andrew.
1: The number of times Prince Andrew has faced legal action related to sexual misconduct allegations.

Definitions and jargon buster

Thames Valley Police: The territorial police force responsible for policing the Thames Valley area, which covers areas including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
Sex trafficking: The illegal act of transporting individuals, often for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, we can expect Thames Valley Police to continue their assessment of the allegations. This may lead to further investigation, including interviewing relevant parties and gathering evidence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If the investigation yields substantial evidence, it could lead to formal charges against Prince Andrew, which would significantly affect his public standing and the monarchy's reputation.

Signals to watch

Official statements from Thames Valley Police regarding the progress of their investigation.
Public reactions and potential protests from anti-monarchist groups, as well as any movements advocating for accountability from the monarchy.
Further developments or allegations that may arise in the media.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about updates from credible news sources regarding the investigation.
Consider the broader implications of allegations against public figures on societal norms and accountability.

Don’t

Jump to conclusions without verified information regarding the investigation.
Discount the seriousness of allegations related to sexual misconduct.

Checklist

Monitor official police statements for developments.
Engage with discussions on public accountability for figures in power.
Reflect on the implications of these allegations for societal views on the monarchy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing investigation may uncover varying degrees of evidence, and the outcomes are uncertain. There is a risk that public opinion may shift significantly based on the findings, and there may be legal ramifications for Prince Andrew depending on the results of the police assessment. However, previous denials from Prince Andrew and lack of formal reports to the police by the alleged victims present complexities in establishing a definitive narrative.

Bottom line

The allegations against Prince Andrew continue to evolve, raising significant questions about accountability and the monarchy’s role in society. As the investigation by Thames Valley Police proceeds, the implications for public perception and potential legal consequences will be closely watched in the UK and beyond.

FAQs

What are the allegations against Prince Andrew?

Prince Andrew is facing allegations that he was involved in the trafficking of women for sexual purposes, particularly linked to claims about being sent to him by Jeffrey Epstein.

What is Thames Valley Police's role in this matter?

Thames Valley Police is currently assessing the information regarding the allegations against Prince Andrew and has stated that they take such reports seriously.

Has Prince Andrew responded to the allegations?

Prince Andrew has previously denied allegations of wrongdoing, but as of now, he has not publicly responded to the latest claims regarding the second woman.