Advertisement

Prince Andrew in 'crisis talks' with Queen over Epstein scandal

Prince Andrew has reportedly left lockdown in Berkshire after five months, to rush to Balmoral for ‘crisis talks’ with the Queen over the ongoing saga surrounding his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke of York, who hasn’t seen his mother since July, has been accused by prosecutors in the US of failing to help in their investigation, particularly after the July arrest of Jeffrey’s former girlfriend, English socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

June 8th 2020 - The United States Department of Justice demands that Great Britain hand over Prince Andrew to be formally questioned in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal. - January 27th 2020 - In a statement today, Geoffrey Berman the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York said Prince Andrew has provided "zero cooperation" to United States law enforcement agents and investigators who wish to interview him regarding his association with the late millionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. - November 21st 2019 - Prince Andrew The Duke of York steps down from all official royal public duties amid the escalation of his associations in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. - File Photo by: zz/KGC-492/STAR MAX/IPx 2018 8/12/18 Prince Andrew The Duke of York attends the Sunday Church Service at Crathie Kirk - the regular place of worship of the British Royal Family when they are on holiday at Balmoral Castle. (Crathie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK)
Prince Andrew has met with his mother for the first time in months. Photo: AP

“The Queen and Andrew will have lots to discuss,” a royal insider told The Sun.

“So much has come out over the summer.

“The Queen wants to be kept informed and she will not be back at Windsor until early October.”

Britain's Queen Elizabeth looks on after awarding Captain Sir Thomas Moore his knighthood during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Friday, July 17, 2020. Captain Sir Tom raised almost £33 million for health service charities by walking laps of his Bedfordshire garden. (Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP)
The Queen is staying at Balmoral a little longer this year. Photo: Getty

The US Department of Justice submitted a request to the Home Office in April to speak to Andrew but says he has been uncooperative. Andrew denies this, and his lawyers insist they have repeatedly offered to help.

“We would welcome Prince Andrew coming in to talk with us, we would like to have the benefit of his statement,” Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Audrey Strauss said shortly after Ghislaine’s arrest.

Ghislaine was arrested and charged with sex trafficking minors for the late Jeffrey Epstein. Prosecutors allege that she helped Epstein groom girls as young as 14 between 1994 and 1997.

Prince Andrew was forced to step down from public duties back in November after being engulfed in the scandal involving Epstein.

June 8th 2020 - The United States Department of Justice demands that Great Britain hand over Prince Andrew to be formally questioned in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal. - January 27th 2020 - In a statement today, Geoffrey Berman the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York said Prince Andrew has provided "zero cooperation" to United States law enforcement agents and investigators who wish to interview him regarding his association with the late millionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. - November 21st 2019 - Prince Andrew The Duke of York steps down from all official royal public duties amid the escalation of his associations in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. - File Photo by: zz/KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx 2015 5/10/15 Prince Andrew The Duke of York attends the National Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. (London, England, UK)
Andrew vehemently denies claims he had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein. Photo: Getty

The saga escalated after Andrew's rambling explanations in a disastrous BBC TV interview that left many viewers incredulous, and his apparent lack of compassion for Epstein's victims drew widespread condemnation.

The royal vehemently denies claims he had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured by Epstein.

Virginia Giuffre alleges she was trafficked for sex with Epstein's friends, and says she had sex with the prince at Maxwell's London home in 2001.

Click here to sign up to our daily newsletter to get all the latest news and hacks. Or if you have a story tip, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.