Freshly unsealed court documents have revealed that Prince Andrew maintained his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein long after the financier's release from prison in 2010. The papers, part of the ongoing Virginia Giuffre litigation, directly contradict previous claims made by the Duke of York and Buckingham Palace regarding the timeline of their association.
The files detail how Andrew, 63, was a frequent guest at Epstein's various properties, including his New York mansion and private Caribbean island, both before and after Epstein served 13 months in a Florida jail for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Contradictions and Unanswered Questions
This new evidence stands in stark opposition to the official narrative presented by the Palace in 2019, which stated the Duke had "severed ties" with Epstein a decade earlier. The documents paint a picture of an ongoing relationship that continued despite widespread public knowledge of Epstein's crimes.
Key revelations include:
- Visits to Epstein's homes in New York and Florida post-2010
- Continued association through mutual acquaintance Ghislaine Maxwell
- Ongoing social engagements that undermine the Duke's previous statements
The Fallout Continues
The unsealing of these documents deals another significant blow to Prince Andrew's reputation and his attempts to distance himself from the Epstein scandal. It raises serious questions about his judgement and the accuracy of previous statements made to the public.
Buckingham Palace has yet to issue a new statement addressing these specific revelations. The Duke's association with Epstein ultimately led to him being stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022, following the settlement of a civil sexual assault case in the United States.
These latest disclosures ensure the Epstein-Andrew connection will remain under intense scrutiny, potentially impacting any future attempts by the Duke to return to public life.
