Prince Andrew and his legal team are apparently feeling that the FBI "ghosted" them. The Duke of York is also reportedly "bewildered" by accusations that he is not cooperating with the U.S. agencies investigating the Jeffrey Epstein sexual trafficking case.
A source revealed to The Sun that Prince Andrew's lawyers have been getting in touch and offering help to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the last 10 days. However, they have apparently been ignored by the agencies that have been trying to close the case against the Duke of York's friend, who died by suicide in August 2019.
A lawyer for Epstein's victims, however, said that Prince Andrew has been deliberate in ignoring the FBI and the DOJ. Brad Edwards, who is representing 55 women accusing of Epstein of sexual trafficking, said that they have reached out to Prince Andrew at least three times but were always refused.
The U.S. authorities have once again made their appeal to the Duke of York this week in a press conference after Epstein's girlfriend and alleged pimp, Ghislaine Maxwell, was arrested. Maxwell was in hiding for months after Epstein's death and Prince Andrew quit his royal duties over this scandal.
Following Maxwell's arrest, Queen Elizabeth is reportedly anxious over what could be next for Prince Andrew and the royal family. While Epstein landed in prison last year, Maxwell and the Duke of York apparently met a few times in Buckingham Palace.
According to reports, Prince Andrew and Maxwell had a meeting at the palace on June 6, 2019 as reports reached them over the U.S. reopening Epstein's sexual trafficking cases. Maxwell was also pictured next to Prince Andrew at the Ascot.
Sources said that Maxwell's arrest is a big break in the U.S. case since she had intimate and first-hand knowledge of Epstein's illegal activities. This is reportedly unnerving the royal family as Maxwell could drag Prince Andrew's name, further soiling his reputation and that of the Queen's legacy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that U.S. officials have yet to make their approach to Prince Andrew official. But whether the American government would be allowed to speak to the royal is not something that Johnson could comment on.
Speaking on LBC radio, the prime minister said that this was a matter for the royal family to discuss with their lawyers. However, he also extended his sympathies to the victims of Epstein.
