King Charles III must feel vindicated for stripping Prince Andrew of his titles and evicting him from Royal Lodge, as the release of over 3 million documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has cast a darker shadow over the royal family. Buckingham Palace had stated the censures were necessary despite Andrew's denial of allegations, and the new files have raised further questions about his judgment.
The documents, released by the US Department of Justice, do not show legal wrongdoing by Andrew but include undated images of him crouching over a clothed woman at Epstein's New York mansion. They also challenge his claim that he ended his friendship with Epstein in December 2010, revealing a letter in which he wrote: “It was great to spend time with my US family. Looking forward to joining you all again soon.”
One allegation, from a 2011 legal document, claims that Epstein and Andrew asked an exotic dancer for a threesome at Epstein's Florida home in early 2006. The woman's lawyer stated that the two “prevailed upon her to engage in various sex acts” and that the party included girls “as young as 14 years old”. The woman, who was hired to dance, was offered $250,000 to keep the encounter confidential.
Thames Valley Police are assessing claims from a US lawyer that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010. The force said on Tuesday: “We take any reports of sexual crimes extremely seriously and encourage anyone with information to come forward.” Andrew has not responded to these untested allegations.
Government pressure is mounting on Andrew to testify to the US Congress about his knowledge of Epstein. Royal sources indicate it is “ultimately a matter for Andrew and his conscience”. The only senior royal to comment is the Duke of Edinburgh, who stressed the importance of remembering the victims. Emails also suggest Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife, had a financial relationship with Epstein, calling him her “pillar”.
