Prince Prince Andrew is confronting renewed scrutiny after a second woman alleged she was trafficked to Britain by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with the royal, an accusation that has intensified political and legal pressure on the former duke to cooperate with U.S. investigators. The claim, relayed by the woman's attorney, places the alleged encounter at Royal Lodge and has reopened questions about Andrew's past ties to Epstein.
The allegation emerged as Andrew, 65, continues to live out of public view following a 2022 settlement that ended a civil lawsuit without an admission of liability. Sources close to the situation said the latest claim has revived fears of further legal exposure, particularly as U.S. authorities and survivors' advocates push for broader testimony connected to Epstein's trafficking network.
According to the woman's account, she was a non-British national in her 20s when Epstein arranged her travel to the U.K. in 2010. She alleges a sexual encounter with Andrew at Royal Lodge in Berkshire and says the visit included a private tour of Buckingham Palace, a detail her lawyer argues underscores Epstein's access and influence.
The woman is represented by Brad Edwards, a Florida-based lawyer who has represented hundreds of Epstein survivors. "We're talking about at least one woman who was sent by Jeffrey Epstein to Prince Andrew," Edwards said. "And she even had, after a night with Prince Andrew, a tour of Buckingham Palace." Edwards previously represented Virginia Giuffre, whose lawsuit against Andrew was settled out of court.
The renewed allegation has sharpened calls from British officials for transparency. Steve Reed, the U.K.'s communities secretary, urged anyone with relevant information to cooperate with investigators. "The way that we can help those victims is for anybody who has any insight or information about what went on to come forward and testify," Reed said. "We need to shine a light on what has happened."
Pressed on Andrew's role, Reed added: "Andrew clearly has insight into what was going on, and he should testify, because the victims deserve and need him." When asked whether Britain would support a potential U.S. extradition request, Reed declined to speculate, saying, "You're asking me about details of legislation that would depend on the type of offence that may or may not have been committed." He continued, "It's entirely hypothetical. I don't think it's sensible for me to come on here and start talking hypothetically about situations that may or may not exist."
Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing in past cases. His 2022 settlement with Giuffre, reported at roughly $15 million, brought an end to his public duties but did not resolve questions about his association with Epstein. Giuffre, who accused Andrew of abuse in London in 2001 when she was 17, died last year at age 41.
