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Introduction
A fresh and explosive allegation has surfaced in the long-running Jeffrey Epstein saga, directly implicating Britain’s Prince Andrew. A second woman, represented by the legal team for Epstein’s victims, claims she was trafficked to the UK for a sexual encounter with the Duke of York. This new account, alleging an incident at his Royal Lodge residence, threatens to reignite a scandal the royal family had hoped was receding.
A New Voice in a Chorus of Allegations
The woman, who was in her twenties at the time of the alleged early-2000s encounter, has come forward through her attorneys, Spencer Paul LLP. Her claim mirrors that of Virginia Giuffre, whose civil lawsuit against the prince was settled in 2026. This development suggests a potential pattern, challenging the narrative that Giuffre’s case was an isolated allegation. The lawyer stated the accuser was “prepared to cooperate with all relevant authorities.”
The Royal Lodge: Scene of the Alleged Incident
The specific location cited—Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park—adds a layer of stark detail. This has been Andrew’s official residence since 2004, a home he shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Alleging an incident at this private royal property, rather than at Epstein’s various homes, places the Duke squarely at the centre of the accusation. It implies a level of premeditation and comfort that contradicts his past assertions of limited contact.
Legal Repercussions and Investigative Pathways
While Prince Andrew settled the Giuffre case without admission of liability, this new claim exists independently. UK authorities, including the Metropolitan Police, have previously stated they would review any new information. The accuser’s offer to cooperate could pressure law enforcement to reopen inquiries. However, jurisdictional issues and the passage of time present significant hurdles for any potential criminal prosecution.
Andrew’s Persistent Public Relations Crisis
For Prince Andrew, this allegation is a devastating blow to his fragile reputation. His 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, intended to quell the scandal, was widely panned as a public relations disaster. He has since been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages and stepped back from public duties. This new claim ensures his name remains toxically linked to the Epstein network, complicating any hope of a quiet return to public life.
The Enduring Shadow of Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019, operated a vast network exploiting young women and girls. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is now serving a 20-year sentence for her role. These new allegations underscore how Epstein’s web ensnared powerful figures, and how victims continue to seek accountability from all they say were involved, long after the financier’s death.
A Palace Under Renewed Pressure
Buckingham Palace faces renewed scrutiny. Its standard line—that it will not comment on ongoing legal matters—may prove insufficient as narrative pressure builds. The monarchy, under King Charles III, has worked to modernize and distance itself from controversy. This fresh allegation against the King’s brother represents a persistent threat to that project, forcing the institution to again navigate a deeply damaging familial scandal.
The Path Forward for the Accuser
The woman’s decision to come forward now, through legal channels, indicates a strategic pursuit of validation rather than a financial settlement. Her attorneys have not indicated an imminent civil lawsuit. Instead, her cooperation offer suggests a desire for official recognition and a formal investigation. This path is often about restoring a sense of agency and truth-telling, which many survivors cite as crucial to their healing process.
Conclusion: An Unresolved Chapter
This new allegation confirms that the Epstein scandal, and Prince Andrew’s role within it, remains an open and festering wound. It provides a stark reminder that for survivors, the pursuit of justice is a marathon, not a sprint. For the royal family, it is a crisis with no clear end in sight, guaranteeing that the shadow cast by Epstein’s crimes will linger over the House of Windsor for the foreseeable future, challenging its stability and reputation at every turn.
