Second Woman Alleging Epstein Link Demands Royal Apology
Legal representatives for a second woman who claims she was dispatched to the United Kingdom by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with the then Prince Andrew have issued a forceful call for King Charles's lawyers to deliver what they term a "real apology". This development emerges amidst the publication of over three million documents by the United States Department of Justice, which appear to illuminate the close connections between Epstein and Andrew's former spouse, Sarah Ferguson.
Legal Team's Direct Appeal to the Palace
Brittany Henderson, from the American law firm Edwards Henderson, articulated the demand in a statement provided to the Press Association. "Andrew's power only existed because of his royal family," Henderson asserted. "Andrew's complicity and involvement with Epstein and Maxwell has been well known to us, to Andrew, and to the palace for many years."
The legal team emphasised that the issue transcends whether Andrew testifies in the United States. "We hardly need more people over here spinning grand stories," Henderson remarked. The statement explicitly urges the king's legal representatives to initiate contact immediately in a good faith effort to comprehend Andrew's alleged actions, meet with the accusers, issue a sincere apology, and ensure fair compensation for any victims.
Details of the Alleged Encounter
Brad Edwards, a colleague at Edwards Henderson, previously disclosed to the BBC that his client, reportedly not British and in her twenties at the time, spent a night with Prince Andrew at Royal Lodge in Windsor during 2010. According to the allegations, she was subsequently given a tour of Buckingham Palace. These claims add to the longstanding controversy surrounding the Duke of York's associations with Epstein, who died in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Revelations from Epstein Document Release
The call for an apology coincides with the release of extensive correspondence that appears to detail the depth of friendship between Epstein and Sarah Ferguson. The emails, part of the vast trove made public, suggest a relationship that extended over many years and involved Ferguson's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
In one message from 2009, Ferguson appears to express profound gratitude to Epstein, writing, "Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for." Another communication from 2010 reads, "You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me."
The correspondence also reveals instances where Ferguson sought financial assistance from Epstein. In 2009, following the collapse of a business venture, she appears to have urgently requested £20,000 for rent, warning that the landlord threatened to involve the newspapers. Epstein claimed in an email to have supported her financially for fifteen years.
Further Intimate Details and Allegations
The documents indicate a lunch was arranged in July 2009 between Ferguson, her daughters, and Epstein, shortly after his release from prison on child sex offences. An email exchange shows Epstein contacting a "ferg" address to inquire "where are you?" with a reply from "Sarah" confirming her location in Miami with the girls and aiming to meet for lunch.
Other revelations include an email from Epstein to hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin in 2009, where he claims "fergie said she could organize tea in the buckingham palace apts.. or windsor castle." Additionally, Ferguson appears to congratulate Epstein in 2011 on the birth of a "baby boy," news she says she heard from "The Duke," and offers her "love, friendship and congratulations."
In a poignant message, Ferguson appears to express hurt, alleging Epstein "disappeared" and that it was "soo crystal clear to me that you were only friends with me to get to Andrew. And that really hurt me deeeply. More than you will know."
Royal Response and Ongoing Fallout
Prince Andrew, who now uses the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, has consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct, including those from Virginia Giuffre, with whom he settled a civil case for a reported $12 million without admitting liability. In a statement from Buckingham Palace in October, it was announced that Andrew would be stripped of his royal titles and relocated from Royal Lodge. The palace expressed that "their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."
This latest demand for an apology underscores the persistent legal and reputational challenges facing the royal family as they navigate the aftermath of the Epstein scandal. The accuser's lawyers are pressing for accountability and redress, highlighting the ongoing impact on those who allege they were victimised through these connections.
