The Relationship
Prince Andrew — the Duke of York and son of Queen Elizabeth II — was a documented social acquaintance of Jeffrey Epstein. He visited Epstein’s properties including the Manhattan mansion, Little Saint James Island, and other locations. Photographs confirm their meetings.
What the Photos Show
A widely published photograph shows Prince Andrew with his arm around Virginia Giuffre’s waist, with Ghislaine Maxwell visible in the background. The photo, taken on what appears to be a London staircase, became one of the most iconic images of the Epstein scandal.
Prince Andrew initially claimed the photo might be fake or that he had no memory of it.
The Virginia Giuffre Lawsuit
Virginia Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew in August 2021 in the Southern District of New York, alleging that he sexually abused her when she was 17. She alleged the abuse occurred:
- At Ghislaine Maxwell’s London home (site of the photograph)
- At Epstein’s Manhattan mansion
- At Epstein’s private island
Andrew’s Denials
Prince Andrew gave a BBC Newsnight interview in November 2019 that became notorious for his denials:
- He claimed he had “no recollection” of meeting Giuffre
- He offered that he couldn’t sweat (as an alibi for not being at a nightclub Giuffre described), citing a medical condition from the Falklands War
- He said he was at a Pizza Express in Woking on the night of the alleged abuse
The interview was widely seen as a public relations disaster and led to his effective removal from royal duties.
The Settlement (February 2022)
In February 2022, Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre reached a confidential financial settlement before the case went to trial. The terms were not disclosed, but reports suggested a figure in the millions of dollars.
Prince Andrew did not admit liability. The settlement included a statement noting that Andrew “regrets his association with Epstein” and that Giuffre was “an established victim of abuse.”
Current Status
As of 2026, Prince Andrew has:
- No official royal duties
- Lost his HRH style
- Not been criminally charged in any jurisdiction
- Not made significant public appearances as a working royal