Virginia Giuffre's family has expressed that the police investigation into the sexual offence allegations facing Prince Andrew is 'huge' and 'gives them hope,' following her role in paving the way for the inquiry. On Friday, police confirmed they are examining a claim by a non-British woman who alleges she was flown to the United Kingdom by Jeffrey Epstein for sexual encounters with the former prince.
Allegations Against Prince Andrew
The unnamed trafficking victim asserts that she was in her twenties when, at Epstein's request, she spent a night with Andrew at his Royal Lodge residence in Windsor. She claims a sexual encounter occurred, after which she was taken to Buckingham Palace for tea in 2010 and given an exclusive tour. She is the only Epstein accuser who alleges she slept with Andrew at a royal residence.
Thames Valley Police has communicated with her lawyer but has yet to conduct interviews, as she has not filed a formal complaint. Specialist detectives have informed her attorney, who also represented Ms. Giuffre, that they will speak to her only when she feels ready.
Family Reaction
Ms. Giuffre's sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, told Sky News on Friday: 'I think initially it's very encouraging. Initially, we only heard about investigations into conduct like sharing government information. To hear that potential sexual crimes are being investigated is huge. It is more than what we see in this country and gives us hope. Virginia paved the way for that. Without her courage and persistence in her truth, we wouldn't be here. We are thankful the police are taking this seriously. It was good news for us today, so we are very hopeful.'
Andrew remains under investigation and has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Thames Valley Police announced on Friday morning that they are investigating the former prince over potential sex offences. The misconduct in public office probe has broadened to consider a range of offences, including sexual misconduct and corruption.
Investigation Details
Three months after Andrew was arrested over claims of leaking secrets to Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy, officers are now interviewing witnesses about suspected criminal offences. Thames Valley Police will make a public appeal for potential victim survivors to come forward. The force has identified multiple lines of inquiry in what is described as a significant investigation.
Police have seized evidence from Andrew's former home at Royal Lodge, Windsor, and his new property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which they are carefully working through. This development follows the release of new documents regarding Andrew's appointment as trade envoy, which revealed that the late Queen was keen for her son to take a prominent role.
The documents, published following pressure from MPs after the Epstein files were made public, suggested Andrew shared commercially sensitive information with Epstein. Police took Andrew into custody on his 66th birthday in February, releasing him 11 hours later under investigation.
Ongoing Inquiries
Thames Valley Police is speaking to the Crown Prosecution Service for early investigative advice ahead of a potential prosecution and liaising with the US Department of Justice to formally request evidence from the Epstein files. Alongside allegations from those files, they are assessing separate claims that Epstein sent a woman to the UK for sex with Andrew in 2010, mirroring accusations made by Virginia Giuffre.
The mystery woman's attorney, Brad Edwards, who represents over 200 alleged Epstein victims, has stated that Andrew and the Royal Family will need to discuss the claims soon or face court action. Edwards previously sued Andrew on behalf of Giuffre, who alleged she had sex with the duke in London, New York, and on Epstein's Caribbean island. Andrew settled that civil case for a reported £12 million without admitting liability and has vehemently denied the allegations.
