The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been photographed looking strained at the wheel of his car near his Windsor home, marking his first public appearance since the release of a new tranche of court documents containing explosive and unverified allegations linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Police Engage with FBI Over Shocking Claims
This sighting follows confirmation from Surrey Police that they are seeking further information from US authorities, including the FBI, regarding the outlandish claims. The allegations, published in recently unsealed US Department of Justice files, refer to so-called 'paedophile ring parties' allegedly involving high-profile British figures.
The claims are made by a US individual, now aged 35, who states in the documents that they were driven to gatherings by their father between the ages of six and eight, where they were later drugged. Surrey Police confirmed they had no prior record of these allegations and are now engaging with relevant agencies to access redacted information.
Specific Allegations Involving Royal Property
According to the documents released on Monday night, the alleged victim claims one incident took place at the royal property Frogmore Cottage. They allege they were restrained and tortured with electric shocks by Ghislaine Maxwell, while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and other men watched.
The individual is said to have given an account to the FBI ahead of Maxwell's bail hearing. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on charges including sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.
The files also recount a second unverified incident where the alleged victim reported being hit by a car driven by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after a party in Surrey. They told the FBI a dark blue vehicle with a personalised plate, driven by the then-Prince, collided with them, knocking a figurine from the bonnet.
Wider Context and Royal Fallout
These latest claims emerge amidst a wider context of the Duke's association with Epstein. The newly released files include photographs showing Andrew with Epstein and Maxwell at events like Ascot racecourse in 2000 and at Sandringham, where he is pictured draped across the laps of several young women.
Speculation has also mounted over emails between Maxwell and an individual signed 'A', who asks about finding 'new inappropriate friends'. While unproven, this has led to further questions about the Duke's connections.
The allegations arrive at a time when Andrew is increasingly distanced from the royal family. He was notably absent from the family's traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, while his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, attended. The royal household has yet to comment on the latest document release.
With more than 11,000 documents published this week and the US Department of Justice indicating a further million may be relevant, these allegations are likely to sustain scrutiny for the foreseeable future. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
