The release of court documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has dealt a blow to Prince Andrew's efforts to restore his reputation. The files, unsealed by order of Judge Loretta Preska, contain fresh allegations against the Duke of York, including claims of groping and underage sex.
In a witness statement, Johanna Sjoberg alleged that Andrew groped her breast at Epstein's New York home in 2001. She described an incident involving a puppet of the prince, where a photo was taken with the puppet's hand on Virginia Giuffre's breast and Andrew's hand on her own. Buckingham Palace previously dismissed these claims as 'categorically untrue'.
Another filing, concerning a woman identified as Jane Doe #3, alleges she was forced to have sexual relations with Andrew when she was a minor in London, New York, and on Epstein's private island. Giuffre has made similar allegations, which Andrew has consistently denied.
The documents also reveal Ghislaine Maxwell's concerns about being questioned over her links to Andrew. In an email to her lawyer, she expressed fear of legal hazards and mentioned questions about her relationship with Andrew and Bill Clinton. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiring with Epstein to abuse minors.
Andrew has denied all wrongdoing and settled a civil case with Giuffre in 2022, expressing regret over his association with Epstein. The campaign group Republic has reported Andrew to the police over the new allegations, criticising the lack of a serious criminal investigation.
