‘Damaging ’ new claims about Epstein scandal exposed
London: Prince Andrew has come under intense scrutiny in recent months over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and there are yet more claims and allegations that are “very damaging” for him, according to a royal expert.
Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008, was due to stand trial for sex trafficking offences last year but he killed himself in prison before he could appear in court.
The late financier’s partner Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested last week on sex trafficking charges and was in court this week, where she pleaded not guilty, but was denied bail, the judge citing a serious flight risk. Ms Maxwell who is married, prosecutors claimed yesterday is a long-time friend of the Duke of York, the pair having met at university, and it was she who first introduced him to Epstein.
Prince Andrew has also been accused of having sex with Virginia Roberts Giuffre, when she was a sex trafficking victim of Epstein’s, a total of three times. Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing and said he does not recall ever meeting Ms Roberts.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement that read: “It is emphatically denied that The Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia Roberts. Any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation.”
While there is no criminal investigation into Prince Andrew, US prosecutors have repeatedly said they wish to speak to him as a witness to the crimes of Epstein and Ms Maxwell. However, the scandal surrounding his friendship with Epstein, Ms Roberts’ accusation and the row over his co-operation with the FBI risks reputational damage. Last week, prominent lawyers representing Epstein victims said there were still more victims coming forward.
Brad Edwards, who represents Prince Andrew’s accuser Ms Roberts, said he had “more clients” who claimed to have been in the Duke’s presence during their time as sex trafficking victims of Epstein.
He said: “It is not only Virginia we have several other clients who were in [Andrew’s] presence and Mr Epstein’s presence.”
Revelation
Prince Andrew, who stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion and flew on his private jet nicknamed the Lolita Express, has denied seeing or suspecting any abuse.
Another lawyer, Gloria Allred, who represents 16 Epstein victims, said she has been contacted by several British women who also claim to have been victims of the billionaire.
She also spoke disparagingly about the Duke of York and the row over whether he is collaborating with the FBI investigation or not.
US prosecutors – who are treating the Duke of York as a witness – have claimed he is not co-operating, but Andrew’s team are apparently “bewildered” by this and claim they have reached out three times. Pod Save the Queen is hosted by Ann Gripper and features Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers.
In last week’s episode, Mr Myers described these latest updates as “very damaging” to Prince Andrew.