Prince Andrew
The most significant royal connection in the Epstein case is Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Andrew acknowledged his longstanding friendship with Epstein and was photographed with him after Epstein’s 2008 conviction a meeting Andrew later acknowledged was a mistake.
Virginia Giuffre’s civil lawsuit alleged she was directed by Epstein to have sexual contact with Andrew on three occasions when she was 17. Andrew denied these allegations in a widely criticized BBC Newsnight interview in November 2019.
The 2022 Settlement
In February 2022, rather than face trial and sworn deposition, Prince Andrew reached a financial settlement with Virginia Giuffre for an undisclosed sum. Following the settlement, he was stripped of remaining military titles and royal patronages, with Buckingham Palace announcing he would no longer carry out public duties.
2024 Giuffre Withdrawal
In 2024, Giuffre issued a court statement withdrawing her allegations against Prince Andrew, citing health challenges. The withdrawal came after the 2022 civil settlement and did not restore his public role.
Other Royal Connections
Epstein’s flight records included various entries connected to European royal circles. His association with Maxwell whose father Robert Maxwell had connections to Israeli intelligence and European elites provided access to these circles.