The investigation into Prince Andrew has suffered a significant setback after a woman who alleged she was flown to the United Kingdom by Jeffrey Epstein to have sexual relations with the former royal stated she will never cooperate with law enforcement.
Woman Declines to Cooperate
The woman, who was in her twenties at the time of the alleged incident in 2010, has informed police through her legal team that she will not provide a formal statement. Her US-based attorney, Bradley Edwards, who has represented over 200 victims of Epstein, confirmed that she fears losing her privacy and facing harassment if she comes forward.
Edwards told the Daily Mail: "She, and we as her representatives, are continuously harassed over the Prince Andrew thing, more than she or we have ever been over Epstein. She does not want to risk losing her privacy even more."
Police Appeal for Information
Thames Valley Police recently issued a public appeal for information regarding potential misconduct in public office by Prince Andrew. The force stated that they have contacted the woman's legal team and assured them that any report would be handled with sensitivity and respect for her anonymity.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Our team of very experienced detectives are working meticulously through a significant amount of information that has come in from the public and other sources. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of enquiry, wherever they may lead."
Regarding the specific allegations from 2010, the force added: "We have engaged with the woman’s legal representative to confirm that, should she wish to report this to police, it will be taken seriously and handled with care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy and her right for anonymity."
Background of the Allegations
The woman previously claimed that after spending the night with Prince Andrew, she was given a tour of Buckingham Palace and served tea. The prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The investigation, which also examines potential misconduct in public office, has yet to result in any charges.
