Lawyers representing a second woman who claims she was sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with the then Prince Andrew have called on King Charles’s legal team to issue a “real apology.” The woman, who was reportedly in her 20s at the time and is not British, alleges she spent the night with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010 and received a tour of Buckingham Palace.
Brad Edwards, from the US law firm Edwards Henderson, previously disclosed these details to the BBC. In a statement to PA Media, Brittany Henderson, also from Edwards Henderson, emphasized the need for accountability from the royal family. “Andrew’s power only existed because of his royal family,” she stated, adding that Andrew’s involvement with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell has been an open secret for years.
Calls for Accountability and Apology
Henderson urged the royal family to engage in a good faith effort to address the allegations. “For the royal family to maintain any level of credibility in the eyes of the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, the legal team for the king should contact me immediately in a good faith effort to learn what Andrew has done, meet whomever he has done it to, issue a sincere and real apology, and ensure that any victims of Andrew are fairly compensated for this wrongdoing,” she said.
The demand for an apology comes as new documents released by the US Department of Justice reveal the extent of Epstein’s connections with Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The documents include emails that suggest a close relationship between Ferguson and Epstein, with Ferguson referring to Epstein as “the brother I have always wished for.”
Epstein’s Network and Royal Connections
The emails, part of over 3 million documents, also mention princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. In one exchange from 2009, Ferguson reportedly asked Epstein for £20,000 to cover rent, fearing media exposure if she failed to pay. Another email details a lunch between Ferguson, her daughters, and Epstein in July 2009, shortly after Epstein’s release from prison for child sex offenses.
Further emails reveal Ferguson’s gratitude towards Epstein for his financial assistance over 15 years. In one message, Epstein claims Ferguson could arrange a tea at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, showcasing the depth of his integration into royal circles.
Implications for the Royal Family
The unfolding revelations pose significant challenges for the royal family, particularly as they strive to distance themselves from the controversies surrounding Epstein. In October, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Andrew, now known as Mountbatten-Windsor, would be stripped of his royal titles and relocated from Royal Lodge.
“Their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse,” the palace statement read.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims by Virginia Giuffre that he had sex with her when she was 17. He settled a civil case with Giuffre for a reported £12 million without admitting liability.
Looking Forward
The latest allegations and document releases add to the ongoing scrutiny of the royal family’s ties to Epstein. As the legal and public relations challenges mount, the royal family faces pressure to address these issues transparently and decisively. Observers suggest that how the family handles these allegations could have lasting implications for their public image and legacy.
The situation continues to evolve, with potential legal ramifications and further revelations likely to emerge. The call for a public apology and compensation for alleged victims underscores the enduring impact of Epstein’s actions and the complex web of relationships he cultivated.
