A new allegation emerges from an Epstein survivor claiming she was flown to Britain for a sexual encounter at a royal residence, intensifying scrutiny of Prince Andrew and the monarchy’s response.
A Fresh Allegation Rekindles Global Attention
More than a decade after Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking network first became the subject of criminal investigations, a second woman has come forward alleging she was sent to the United Kingdom for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew, according to her lawyer.
The claim, revealed in an interview with the BBC, marks the first time an Epstein survivor has alleged that a sexual encounter involving the former prince took place at a royal residence. The allegation adds renewed pressure on Britain’s royal family, already grappling with the fallout from earlier accusations linked to Epstein and his associates.
Prince Andrew, who has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, has not yet responded publicly to the latest claim.
What the Second Accuser Is Alleging
According to the woman’s lawyer, Brad Edwards, the survivor alleges that:
- She was sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein
- She stayed overnight with Prince Andrew at Royal Lodge, his former residence on the Windsor estate
- The encounter occurred in 2010, when she was in her 20s
- Following the alleged encounter, she was given a tour of Buckingham Palace
The woman is not British, and her identity has not been made public.
Edwards, a US-based attorney who has represented more than 200 Epstein survivors worldwide, said the account is based on his client’s testimony and contemporaneous communications.
A Claim That Breaks New Ground
If substantiated, this allegation would represent a significant development in the Epstein case.
While previous claims — most notably those by Virginia Giuffre — alleged sexual encounters involving Prince Andrew in London, New York, and Epstein’s private Caribbean island, this is the first allegation involving a royal residence itself.
Buckingham Palace maintains records of visitors and tours, but BBC News said it was unable to verify the alleged palace visit without revealing the woman’s identity.
Prince Andrew’s Silence and the Palace Response
BBC News has formally requested comment from Prince Andrew, whose full name is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, but he has not responded so far.
The Palace has also declined to comment on the specific allegation, consistent with its approach to previous claims. In earlier statements, Buckingham Palace emphasized that:
- Prince Andrew continues to deny all allegations
- The royal family’s sympathies lie with victims and survivors of abuse
In October last year, King Charles formally removed Prince Andrew’s military titles, royal patronages, and style, citing the need to protect the integrity of the monarchy.
The Lawyer’s Criticism of the Royal Family
Edwards has been openly critical of how the royal family has handled allegations against the former prince.
He argues that stripping Andrew of his titles has had unintended consequences, including:
- Allowing Andrew to claim he lacks financial resources
- Reducing avenues for compensation for survivors
- Creating what Edwards calls “institutional distance” from accountability
“The idea that the Royal Family cares about victims has had the opposite effect,” Edwards told the BBC.
Links to Virginia Giuffre’s Case
The lawyer also represented Virginia Giuffre, the most prominent Epstein accuser linked to Prince Andrew.
Giuffre alleged that:
- She was trafficked to London in 2001 when she was 17
- She was forced to have sex with Andrew at least three times
- Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell facilitated the encounters
Prince Andrew denied those claims but reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022, reportedly worth around £12 million.
Giuffre died by suicide last year, a development that renewed global debate over justice, accountability, and survivor support.
Epstein’s Network and UK Connections
A BBC investigation in 2025 found evidence that Epstein trafficked women into the UK using:
- Commercial airlines
- Private jets
This reinforced concerns that Britain may have played a larger role in Epstein’s operations than previously acknowledged.
Epstein himself was convicted in 2008 of soliciting sex from a minor and died in custody in 2019 while awaiting further prosecution.
Legal Implications: What Happens Next?
Edwards said he is considering filing a civil lawsuit on behalf of the second accuser.
Legal experts say such a case would face challenges, including:
- Jurisdictional questions
- Statutes of limitation
- Evidentiary thresholds
However, they note that civil cases require a lower burden of proof than criminal prosecutions.
Even without a trial, the allegation carries significant reputational consequences.
Public and Political Reaction in the UK
The renewed allegation has reignited public debate in Britain over:
- Accountability for powerful figures
- The monarchy’s handling of misconduct allegations
- Whether enough has been done to support survivors
Some commentators argue the royal family acted too slowly, while others say institutional constraints limit its response.
The Broader Epstein Reckoning Continues
The release of millions of pages of court documents related to Epstein has triggered a global reckoning involving politicians, financiers, celebrities, and royalty.
While many allegations remain unproven, the volume of claims has reshaped how institutions respond to abuse allegations — emphasizing transparency, survivor protection, and due process.
Prince Andrew’s Current Status
Since losing his titles, Prince Andrew:
- No longer performs royal duties
- Has withdrawn from public life
- Is expected to vacate Royal Lodge
He has consistently denied all allegations and has not faced criminal charges in the UK or US.
Survivors, Accountability, and the Question of Justice
Advocates for survivors stress that:
- Coming forward years later is common in trafficking cases
- Power imbalances often delay disclosure
- Legal accountability is only one form of justice
They argue that institutional acknowledgment and meaningful support are equally important.
A Case That Refuses to Fade
The second allegation underscores a central reality of the Epstein scandal: its consequences are still unfolding.
Whether the claim leads to legal action or not, it reinforces persistent questions about power, protection, and responsibility — questions that continue to shadow Prince Andrew and the British monarchy.