Buckingham Palace expresses deep concern regarding allegations against Prince Andrew, who has been asked to move out of his royal residence.
Buckingham Palace Statement
The King has clearly expressed with words and unprecedented actions his deep concern regarding allegations that continue to emerge concerning the conduct of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor, communicated on Monday to British media by a Buckingham Palace spokesperson. The Palace stated it is prepared to support Thames Valley Police if approached about the matter. The spokesperson emphasized that “the thoughts and sympathies of Their Majesties have always been and are with the victims of all forms of abuse.”
Jeffrey Epstein Case Investigation
British police are checking if there are grounds to initiate an investigation into potential breach of official secrecy by former Prince Andrew. According to emails published by the US Department of Justice, King Charles’s brother, as the UK’s trade envoy from 2010-2011, may have shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein, including reports from visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.
Prince Andrew Moves Out of Royal Lodge
Last week, former Prince Andrew moved out of the 30-room royal residence Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he had lived for over 20 years. Andrzej Mountbatten-Windsor has temporarily moved to Prince Philip’s former residence, Wood Farm Cottage, on the Sandringham estate. He is expected to ultimately live in another house that is currently under renovation.
Stripping of Titles and Accommodation
At the end of October, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had begun a formal process aimed at stripping Prince Andrew of his titles and honors. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrzej Mountbatten-Windsor. His rental agreement at Royal Lodge had until now provided him with legal protection allowing him to continue living there. He has been formally requested to relinquish his rental agreement and move to alternative, private accommodation.
Prince Andrew’s Connection to Epstein
Former Prince Andrew was a long-time friend of American financier Jeffrey Epstein, convicted for inducing and recruiting underage girls for prostitution. One of Epstein’s victims was reportedly Virginia Giuffre, who claimed years ago she was forced to have sexual relations with Andrew three times, including one when she was 17 years old. Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit that was settled out of court in February 2022, with the former prince transferring an undisclosed amount of money to the woman while not admitting to any wrongdoing.
Controversial Photo Emerges
Among materials from Jeffrey Epstein’s files disclosed in January, there is a photo showing former Prince Andrew kneeling on all fours over a woman lying on the floor and touching her stomach. The files provide no context for these photos, and it is unclear where and when they were taken. It is also unknown who the woman in the photo is.
Prince Andrew’s Statement
In a statement, Prince Andrew said he concluded that “continuous accusations against me draw attention away from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.” He confirmed he would “no longer use my title or the honors bestowed upon me,” stating firmly, “I deny the accusations against me.” This decision came after a conversation with the King and his family.
Resignations in Prime Minister’s Circle
On Monday, Tim Allan resigned as communications director in the office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. On Sunday, Prime Minister’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney stepped down after advising the Prime Minister to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, despite his known connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
