Prince Harry's Blistering Andrew Comments Resurface Amid Epstein Scandal
The release of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has once again intensified scrutiny of Prince Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's connections to the convicted sex offender. This renewed focus has brought back into the spotlight Prince Harry's scathing comments about his uncle from his memoir Spare, highlighting stark contrasts in how the two royals have been treated by the institution.
New Epstein Files Increase Andrew Scrutiny
Freshly released Epstein files contain several concerning elements regarding Andrew's relationship with the disgraced financier. The documents include photographs showing the former prince leaning over a young woman whose identity has been redacted, with Andrew appearing barefoot and touching her stomach in one image. While these images lack context and don't necessarily indicate wrongdoing, they form part of a broader pattern of association that continues to generate controversy.
Further correspondence reveals email exchanges between "The Duke" and Epstein, including one where Andrew invites Epstein to Buckingham Palace where they could have "lots of privacy." Another exchange, dated just days after Epstein's release from house arrest, shows the financier offering to introduce Andrew to a "beautiful" 26-year-old Russian woman.
Longstanding Connections Revealed
The documents indicate that both Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson maintained contact with Epstein longer than previously acknowledged. In one particularly revealing message, Ferguson tells Epstein "marry me," while in another she refers to him as "the brother I have always wished for." These communications provide new insight into the nature of their relationship with the convicted sex offender.
Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing, including three allegations of sexual assault made against him by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. However, new claims have recently emerged, with one alleged victim stating she was sent to Royal Lodge to have sex with Andrew before receiving a tour of Buckingham Palace the following day.
Harry's Memoir Comments Gain New Relevance
Amid this ongoing scrutiny, Prince Harry's previously published comments about his uncle have taken on renewed significance. In his memoir Spare, Harry expressed shock at the different treatment he and Meghan Markle received compared to Andrew, particularly regarding security arrangements.
Harry revealed that when he and Meghan decided to step back from royal duties in 2020, their publicly-funded police protection was swiftly removed. This stood in stark contrast to Andrew's situation, as the disgraced prince retained his police protection for years despite being mired in controversy.
Security Disparities Highlighted
In his autobiography, Harry wrote pointedly about the security differences: "Despite being involved in an embarrassing scandal, accused of having sexually abused a young woman, nobody had suggested removing his security. People may have a lot of grievances towards us, but sexual offences weren't one of them."
Reports indicate Andrew's police protection wasn't removed until 2022, though the late Queen continued paying for his private security. King Charles initially maintained this funding before reportedly stopping it in 2024 in an attempt to persuade Andrew to leave Royal Lodge.
Andrew's Current Situation
The former prince, now referred to as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor rather than Prince Andrew following the removal of his royal titles, faces significant changes to his living arrangements. He has been offered Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom property on the Sandringham Estate located near a bog, as an alternative to his current 30-bedroom Royal Lodge residence.
Sources indicate Andrew is "resigned" to the smaller home and "appalled" at the downgrade, which will no longer accommodate live-in staff. While the King has reportedly offered "ad-hoc" use of employees from Sandringham House itself, this arrangement is said not to have "gone down well" with the former prince.
The resurfacing of Harry's comments comes at a particularly sensitive time for the royal family, as they continue to navigate the fallout from Andrew's associations while managing public perceptions of fairness and accountability within the institution.
