Epstein Victims Fear UK Press Intrusion, Distrust Police Over Prince Andrew Allegations
Women alleging information regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are unwilling to engage with British police, citing a lack of confidence in the authorities and significant fears of media intrusion. This assertion comes from Brad Edwards, an American lawyer representing hundreds of Jeffrey Epstein's victims.
Edwards stated that multiple clients possess relevant information concerning the former prince but believe they would not receive appropriate treatment in the UK. Their reluctance is primarily driven by concerns over privacy violations from the British press, which they claim has previously dissuaded cooperation.
Among Edwards' clients is a woman who alleges she was trafficked to the UK for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently and strenuously denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Thames Valley Police confirmed in February an assessment of a claim made by one of Edwards’ clients regarding an alleged encounter at Royal Lodge in 2010. However, Edwards noted that initial willingness to cooperate dissipated after UK journalists reportedly investigated the woman and her family, leading other potential victims to observe the perceived threat to privacy.
Separately, Sigrid McCawley, another US lawyer for Epstein survivors, indicated no communication had been received from the Metropolitan Police since the US Department of Justice released Epstein files in January. McCawley represented Virginia Giuffre, whose 2015 complaint to London's Metropolitan Police resulted in interviews but no formal investigation. Giuffre settled a civil case against Mountbatten-Windsor for an estimated £12 million in 2022.
The National Police Chiefs' Council stated that victim-survivors would be “treated with care, compassion and respect,” with efforts ongoing to contact those who have publicly shared their experiences. However, the consistent narrative from victims' counsel suggests that the perceived risks outweigh the assurances offered by UK law enforcement.
