Overview
Prince Andrew spoke publicly for the first time about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations made against him by Virginia Roberts. The interview addressed his visits to Epstein's properties, specific allegations of sexual misconduct, and his decision-making around the friendship.
The Epstein Friendship
- Met Epstein through Ghislaine Maxwell in 1999; she was the primary connection and girlfriend at the time
- Saw Epstein once to three times per year; not considered a very close friend by Prince Andrew
- Valued opportunities to meet academics, politicians, and UN officials at Epstein's dinner parties
- Visited Epstein's properties including New York mansion, Palm Beach home, and private island
- Used Epstein's homes when traveling to the United States for convenience and networking
Key Timeline
| Date | Event | Prince Andrew's Account |
|---|
| 1999 | First meeting | Met through Ghislaine Maxwell |
| 2000 | Royal invitations | Epstein guest at Windsor Castle and Sandringham as Maxwell's plus-one |
| May 2006 | Arrest warrant issued | Prince Andrew unaware; found out through media |
| July 2006 | Beatrice's 18th birthday | Epstein invited to party; Prince Andrew claims ignorance of investigation |
| 2006 | Contact ceased | Stopped communication after learning of investigation |
| 2008 | Conviction | Epstein convicted of soliciting minor for prostitution |
| December 2010 | New York visit | Prince Andrew stayed at Epstein's mansion to break off friendship |
| July 2019 | Epstein arrested again | Charged with sex trafficking and abusing underage girls |
| August 2019 | Epstein's death | Found dead in prison; ruled suicide |
Virginia Roberts Allegations
- Roberts alleges three sexual encounters: London (March 10, 2001), New York, and Epstein's private island
- Claims she met Prince Andrew at Tramp nightclub, danced with him, and had sex at Maxwell's Belgravia house
- Prince Andrew categorically denies all allegations; states he has no recollection of meeting Roberts
- Questions authenticity of photograph showing him with Roberts and Maxwell; cannot remember it being taken
- States photograph appears to be taken upstairs in Maxwell's house where he doesn't recall going
Prince Andrew's Defenses
- Claims he was at Pizza Express in Woking with daughter Beatrice on March 10, 2001
- States he has medical condition preventing sweating due to Falklands War adrenaline overdose
- Does not drink alcohol or frequent bars; unfamiliar with Tramp nightclub layout
- Emphasizes he does not engage in public displays of affection typical of photograph
- Traveled in casual clothes inconsistent with typical London formal wear
- Was staying at Consul General's residence in New York during alleged April encounter
The December 2010 Visit
- Visited Epstein two years after his conviction to break off friendship in person
- Stayed at Epstein's New York mansion for several days; claims it was convenient
- Attended small dinner party with eight to ten guests during visit
- Walk in Central Park photographed where he told Epstein they should part company
- Acknowledges it was wrong decision to visit; admits judgment was poor
- States Epstein was "understanding" about ending friendship; they mutually agreed to separate
Witness Testimonies and Evidence
- John Brockman claims he saw Prince Andrew receiving foot massage from young Russian woman; denied
- Housekeeper testified Prince Andrew visited Palm Beach residence four times per year; Prince Andrew says four times total
- Jana Stolberg witnessed Prince Andrew at New York mansion in April timeframe; Prince Andrew acknowledges possible visit
- Multiple witnesses report seeing young girls at properties Prince Andrew visited
Prince Andrew's Position
- Never witnessed suspicious behavior or young girls during visits to Epstein's properties
- Describes Epstein's homes as busy like railway stations with many staff coming and going
- Claims people behave differently around royal family members; may have hidden activities
- Was patron of NSPCC child abuse campaign; knew warning signs but never observed them
- States positive sexual activity is memorable; certain nothing occurred with Roberts or trafficked women
Legal Cooperation
- Would require legal advice before testifying under oath or providing statement to FBI
- Would be "duty-bound" to cooperate if legal counsel advised and circumstances were appropriate
- Acknowledges victims' legal team requested statement; has not yet provided one
- States inability to provide closure frustrating; wishes he could answer all questions definitively
Impact on Royal Family
- Describes situation as "constant sore" within immediate family since 2011
- Family discussed matter when photographs published and again when 2015 allegations emerged
- Does not believe it damaged the Queen; acknowledges it damaged him personally
- Describes it as "constant drip in the background" affecting reputation
- Wider royal family supportive; immediate family "lost" about what happened
Moving Forward
- Continues work with Pitch@Palace and other entrepreneurial initiatives
- IDEA digital platform serves 500,000+ young people aged 7-14 across 100 countries
- Over 3.5 million people have badges from programs
- Acknowledges needing "thick skin" due to social media era challenges
- Describes interview as addressing "mental health issue" that has nagged him for years
Reflections and Regrets
- Admits December 2010 visit was definitively wrong decision; regrets it daily
- Believes he made wrong judgment for fundamentally right reasons (ending friendship honorably)
- States friendship with Epstein had "seriously beneficial outcomes" in other areas
- Meeting Epstein was inevitable due to friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell
- Acknowledges he "let the side down" regarding royal family standards and practices