The Unresolved Questions Hanging Over Prince Andrew’s Scandal

Britain’s Prince Andrew faces ongoing scrutiny over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, even after giving up the use of his royal titles. Allegations, legal settlements, and continued public and parliamentary pressure highlight unresolved issues surrounding the former Duke of York’s conduct, privileges, and residence on royal property.

Andrew and Epstein: The Nature of Their Relationship

Prince Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein has been a source of persistent controversy. Introduced to Epstein by Ghislaine Maxwell in 1999, Andrew claims they met only “once or twice a year” and denies wrongdoing. He stayed at several of Epstein’s properties and attended high-profile social events, including charity fundraisers at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago and parties at Windsor Castle hosted by the royal family.

Epstein pleaded guilty to state-level prostitution charges in 2008 and was later charged federally for sex trafficking before dying in prison in 2019. Andrew’s connections to Epstein, Maxwell, and other social circles have prompted questions about judgment and oversight during his tenure as a working royal.

Legal Settlements and Allegations

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her as a teenager, detailed multiple alleged encounters with him in London, New York, and on Epstein’s Caribbean island, Little St. James. Giuffre’s 2025 posthumous memoir “Nobody’s Girl” further fuels public scrutiny.

Andrew settled a civil suit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing but acknowledged her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. He has maintained that he never witnessed or suspected Epstein’s criminal behavior. Nonetheless, reports of a 2011 email urging Epstein to “keep in close touch” challenge his prior claim that he severed ties in 2010. The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations that he asked a bodyguard to gather information on Giuffre.

Royal Family Knowledge and Response

It remains unclear what King Charles III or other senior royal staff knew about Andrew’s Epstein connections and when. While his 2019 BBC interview was filmed at Buckingham Palace, the depth of internal awareness has not been disclosed. Critics argue that the royal household has not adequately accounted for the implications of Andrew’s associations.

Titles, Honors, and Royal Standing

On Friday, Andrew announced he would stop using the Duke of York title and other honors, a decision made in consultation with King Charles and the royal family. However, he retains the titles legally, as formal removal requires an act of parliament. Andrew also remains eighth in line to the throne, a position that can only be altered through legislation with the consent of Commonwealth nations—a process last used during Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936.

Critics argue that ceasing use is insufficient for accountability, noting that his status as a prince remains intact, which carries more significance than his dukedom internationally.

Residency at Royal Lodge

Prince Andrew continues to reside at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, under a 75-year lease agreed in 2003. Although upfront payments and refurbishment costs were covered, the lease terms reportedly allow Andrew to pay a nominal annual rent of one peppercorn. The arrangement also entitles him to a substantial payout if he vacates early.

This has provoked parliamentary and public criticism, with calls for greater accountability given the use of Crown Estate property and potential taxpayer interest. Lawmakers have urged scrutiny over his continued residence and the financial terms involved.

Additional Controversies

Andrew has faced questions over business dealings with China, including alleged connections to Chinese businessman and purported spy Yang Tengbo. Documents indicate that Andrew maintained communications with Xi Jinping through Yang, though he has denied wrongdoing and claims to have ceased the relationship after government advice. These controversies compound the ongoing Epstein-related scandal and raise broader questions about his conduct in private and public capacities.

Government and Parliamentary Involvement

The UK government has faced calls to intervene, including a motion by the Scottish National Party urging legislative steps to remove Andrew’s dukedom. A YouGov poll indicates that 80% of Britons support this action. Downing Street maintains that the matter falls under the royal family’s discretion, emphasizing that Andrew has already ceased using his titles.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for “proper scrutiny” of all Crown properties, reflecting broader parliamentary interest in accountability and oversight.

Source: CNN – The unanswered questions hanging over the Prince Andrew scandal