Police have revealed they are investigating a claim by a non-British woman who says she was flown to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for sex with Prince Andrew. The alleged trafficking victim, who has not been named, claims she was in her 20s when she spent a night with Andrew at his Royal Lodge home in Windsor at the paedophile's request.
Alleged Encounter and Royal Tour
The woman alleges she had a sexual encounter with the former prince and was subsequently taken to Buckingham Palace for tea in 2010, where she was given an exclusive tour. She is the only Epstein accuser who claims to have slept with Andrew at a royal residence.
Thames Valley Police has spoken to her lawyer, Brad Edwards, who also represented Virginia Giuffre. However, officers have not yet conducted interviews because the woman has not made a formal complaint. Specialist detectives have told Edwards they will speak to her only when she feels ready.
Broadened Investigation
In a significant development, detectives from Thames Valley announced that a misconduct in public office probe into Andrew has been expanded to consider a wide range of offences, including sexual misconduct and corruption. Police have seized evidence in raids on Andrew's former home at Royal Lodge and his new property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which officers are now carefully examining.
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February and released under investigation. The former prince is seen crouching over an unidentified woman in one of the photos released in the Epstein Files.
Legal Warnings and Potential Charges
Brad Edwards, who represents more than 200 alleged Epstein victims, has warned that Andrew and the Royal Family will need to address the claims soon or face court action. Edwards previously sued Andrew on behalf of Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she had sex with the former duke in London, New York, and on Epstein's Caribbean island. Andrew settled the New York civil case for a reported £12 million without admitting liability and has denied all allegations.
Marcus Johnstone, a leading criminal defence lawyer specialising in sex crimes, said Andrew could face prosecution for a range of sexual offences, including sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and prostitution. Johnstone claimed police will investigate whether Andrew knowingly facilitated the exploitation of trafficking victims at his homes.
Police Appeal and Investigation Progress
Thames Valley Police will make a public appeal for potential victim survivors to come forward. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force has assembled a dedicated team of experienced investigators and is liaising with the US Department of Justice for evidence from the Epstein files. He stressed that the investigation is thorough and will take time, but urged anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation also examines allegations that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy. Emails suggest Andrew forwarded reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore to Epstein. Detectives are speaking to officials in the Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace.
