Prince Andrew met Jeffrey Epstein in 1999 through Ghislaine Maxwell and went on to holiday with the financier, invite him to royal residences, and stay in his homes — photographs of the pair in Central Park (2010) and accounts from victims amplified public scrutiny.12
Allegations by Virginia Giuffre that Andrew sexually abused her in 2001 while she was trafficked by Epstein spurred a U.S. civil lawsuit. The prince settled out of court in February 2022 for a reported £12 million without admitting liability.3
The scandal led him to quit public duties after a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview (November 2019) and to lose his military titles and the right to use "HRH" (January 2022).4 5
He denies wrongdoing, has not been charged, but remains under pressure to cooperate with investigators and faces enduring reputational damage.6
Snapshot
Professional Background
A Royal Navy helicopter pilot and Falklands War veteran, Andrew became the U.K.'s Special Representative for Trade and Investment in 2001 but resigned in 2011 as Epstein-related criticism mounted.9
His friendships with wealthy figures — including Maxwell and Epstein — were intended to broaden commercial contacts yet exposed him to conflict-of-interest claims.10
Role Inside Epstein's Network
Court filings and media reports show Andrew stayed multiple times at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse and Palm Beach estate, flew on Epstein's private jets, and hosted the pair at Windsor Castle and Balmoral.1
Giuffre alleges Maxwell delivered her to Andrew for sex in London, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Andrew says he has "no recollection" of meeting her and cites an alibi of taking his daughter to Pizza Express in Woking.11 In a 2019 statement Buckingham Palace said he was "appalled" by Epstein's crimes.9
Active Litigation
Giuffre v. Andrew (S.D.N.Y.)
Filed Aug 9 2021 under the Child Victims Act, alleging battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.12 Settlement announced Feb 15 2022, terms undisclosed but widely reported at ~£12 m, part paid to Giuffre's charity for survivors.3
U.S. & UK investigations
The FBI and U.S. prosecutors stated in 2020 that Andrew had provided "zero cooperation", his lawyers contest the claim yet no mutual-legal-assistance treaty request has been enforced.13
Reputational suits
Andrew threatened action against some outlets but has not pursued defamation cases, mindful of discovery risks.5
Current Status
Since 2022 Andrew has lived largely out of public view at Royal Lodge, Windsor. Family events (the late Queen's funeral, King Charles III's coronation) are his only high-profile appearances — he retains the dukedom but no formal duties.8
The Washington Post noted that renewed attention to Giuffre's allegations continues to shadow any bid for rehabilitation.14 Lawyers for Epstein victims urge him to testify under oath if future prosecutions arise.6