Image: AP
Prince Andrew is once again under intense scrutiny after BBC reporting confirmed that Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein were hosted at his private Windsor residence during his daughter Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebrations in 2006. The new detail matters because Epstein already faced a US arrest warrant for sexual assault at the time, raising persistent questions about the Duke of York’s judgement and relationships.This revelation renews public focus on Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offenders at a moment when his lifestyle and royal privileges are already under pressure.
The big picture
Prince Andrew, the second son of King Charles III, has long attempted to step back from public life due to his links with Epstein. He relinquished his patronages and military titles in 2022 after settling a civil sexual assault lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of abusing her when she was a minor. He denies any wrongdoing.Epstein, a wealthy financier, died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Maxwell, his former partner, is serving a 20-year prison sentence in the US for procuring girls for Epstein. Weinstein, once a powerful Hollywood producer, has been convicted of multiple sexual assaults and is facing retrials on some counts.Despite these outcomes, Andrew’s close connections with them continue to generate headlines.
What the report found
Recent revelations confirmed a previously unknown detail about a 2006 event at Windsor:
- Epstein, Maxwell and Weinstein were hosted at Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s private home in the Windsor Castle grounds.
- The visit took place ahead of the masked ball celebrating Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday.
- This occurred two months after a US arrest warrant was issued for Epstein in a minor sexual assault case.
- A photograph showing the trio on the lawn was matched to Royal Lodge based on trees and a patio wall visible in the background.
- A witness recalled seeing Epstein and Weinstein at a small garden gathering before guests moved to the larger party inside Windsor Castle’s state rooms.
- Andrew has not responded to fresh media inquiries about these findings.
A history of high-profile visits
Epstein and Maxwell were frequent guests at royal properties in earlier years:
- A photograph released during Maxwell’s trial shows the pair at Balmoral in Scotland in 1999.
- Epstein reportedly attended a Windsor Castle event in 2000.
- Andrew is said to have hosted a birthday trip for Maxwell at Sandringham.
- Maxwell was photographed at Buckingham Palace in 2002 sitting on the Queen’s throne next to actor Kevin Spacey during a private tour believed to have been arranged by Andrew.
The prince has previously confirmed that he travelled on Epstein’s private jet and stayed at his residences, including his private island and Palm Beach mansion.
Where does Prince Andrew stand today
The Duke stepped away from public duties in 2019 after a widely criticised interview in which he attempted to explain his relationship with Epstein. He later settled Giuffre’s lawsuit to avoid trial, though he continues to deny her allegations.His future role remains uncertain:
- He has retained his title but not official duties.
- There are reports he could be asked to relocate to a smaller property.
- Buckingham Palace has offered no clarity on his long-term status.
For now, he remains out of the public spotlight, yet scrutiny of his past continues.
