Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are reviewing fresh allegations that a young woman was allegedly sent to the United Kingdom for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, at his Royal Lodge residence in Windsor back in 2010. The claims, which have surfaced in the wake of recently released US Department of Justice documents connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, suggest the woman was also given a tour of Buckingham Palace as part of the alleged arrangement.
Legal Team Urges Royal Response
The woman's legal representatives based in the United States have reportedly urged King Charles III to make direct contact with them regarding these serious allegations. However, Thames Valley Police have clarified in an official statement that while they are assessing the information provided in line with their standard procedures, neither the lawyer nor the client has formally reported the allegations to them at this stage. This procedural point underscores the preliminary nature of the police review.
Context of Epstein Document Release
These new claims emerge against the backdrop of the unsealing of numerous documents by the US Department of Justice, which pertain to the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein. Within these documents, Prince Andrew is mentioned on multiple occasions, reigniting public and media scrutiny over his associations. The Duke of York has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing in relation to all allegations of sexual misconduct.
Previous Settlement and Denials
It is important to note that in 2022, Prince Andrew reached a multi-million pound settlement with Virginia Giuffre, a woman who had accused him of sexual abuse. As part of that settlement, which did not involve an admission of liability, the Duke maintained that he had never met Ms Giuffre. This historical context adds a layer of complexity to the current allegations being assessed by police.
The situation remains under active assessment by Thames Valley Police, who are following established protocols to determine the appropriate next steps. No formal investigation has been launched at this time, and the allegations remain unverified. The Royal Family has not issued any public comment regarding the latest claims.
