In early January, a fresh batch of legal documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal has reignited controversy surrounding Prince Andrew. Among the high-profile names mentioned in these explosive court papers, Andrew, Epstein's infamous associate, finds himself back in the spotlight. According to one accuser, Andrew allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct in 2001 at Epstein’s New York City apartment. Another witness claimed to have seen incriminating sex tapes involving Andrew. Despite retracting her allegations after testifying, Sarah Ransome reasserted her claims on Good Morning Britain on January 9, saying, “There are videos that exist, and the people who know they exist are surely very frightened of them being released.”
For the disgraced Duke of York, these revelations couldn't come at a worse time. Andrew and Buckingham Palace have consistently denied any allegations of sexual misconduct. However, in early 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was a teenager. Now, an insider exclusively tells Closer that the alleged sex tapes could be the final straw for the royal family. “Charles is under more pressure than ever to sever ties with Andrew,” the source reveals. “There’s talk of removing him from the line of succession entirely.”
Andrew’s military titles were stripped, and he was relieved of royal duties in 2022 due to his association with Epstein, a convicted pedophile who died in prison in 2019. Despite losing these honors, Andrew continues to reside on royal property and even joined his family for their annual Christmas Day walk alongside his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
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The newly disclosed documents stem from a 2015 lawsuit filed by Giuffre against Epstein's accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. “These documents paint a clear picture of Andrew’s involvement in this sordid affair,” the insider states. “Anyone who has tried to defend him is reaching their breaking point. Charles can no longer shield Andrew from the consequences of his actions.”
Andrew's Troubled Past
Andrew’s troubles with the press are nothing new. Back in the 1980s, he earned the nickname “Randy Andy” due to his hard-partying lifestyle. Later, he was dubbed “Air Miles Andy” for using his royal salary to jet around the world. He's also faced criticism for his ties to controversial figures like Muammar Gaddafi’s son. In 2010, Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, was caught in a sting operation by a U.K. tabloid, promising a fake "sheik" access to Andrew in exchange for over $600,000.
A Royal Family in Crisis
King Charles III is reportedly at his wit's end with his younger brother. “Charles loves Andrew despite his flaws, but he’s been put in an impossible situation,” the source explains. “He must prioritize the monarchy over familial loyalty. The time has come to make tough decisions for the good of the crown.”
Prince William and Princess Kate are urging Charles to formally distance Andrew from the royal family. “They want nothing to do with Andrew and are angered by the shame he continues to bring upon the family,” the source adds. “Nothing Andrew says can change their negative perception of him.”
Relocation and Reduced Privileges
Charles has been contemplating evicting Andrew from the luxurious $37 million Royal Lodge, where Andrew resides with Ferguson just three miles from Windsor Castle. His lease on the property extends until 2078. “Andrew is upset about it, but this isn’t intended as punishment,” the source explains. “Charles can no longer justify Andrew living in such opulence when he’s no longer a working royal.” Instead, Charles is offering Andrew the more modest Frogmore Cottage, previously home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. “Charles believes he’s being generous by allowing Andrew to relocate there.”
Denial Amidst Controversy
Andrew has remained silent on the latest allegations. While the U.K. police have yet to launch a formal investigation, a legal expert told the U.K.’s Independent that the U.S. government has no legal barrier to arresting Prince Andrew. “Andrew insists he did nothing wrong and claims he had no knowledge of these events,” the source reveals. During his infamous 2019 BBC interview, Andrew denied having sex with an underage Virginia Giuffre and downplayed his friendship with Epstein. “He still acts as if he’s the victim in all of this,” the source notes. “Andrew believed settling the lawsuit with Virginia would put an end to the matter, but clearly, that hasn’t happened.”
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Despite the mounting evidence against him, Andrew continues to receive support from his ex-wife and daughters. “Fergie stands by Andrew and feels he’s been treated unfairly by both the press and the royal family,” the source says. Ferguson herself apologized for accepting $24,000 from Epstein, labeling it a “terrible error of judgment” and emphasizing her disdain for pedophilia and child abuse. Meanwhile, Beatrice and Eugenie refuse to believe their father is guilty of the accusations. “They acknowledge he’s not perfect, but they insist he’s not a pedophile,” the source explains. “It’s almost as if they’ve chosen to ignore the evidence against him.”
