Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faced significant consequences as a working royal due to his association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Although Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any misconduct, he was accused by Virginia Giuffre (née Roberts), a victim of Epstein, of sexually assaulting her three times when she was 17. They reportedly met through Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted of sex trafficking a minor after Epstein’s death in 2019. (Maxwell maintains her innocence.)
Mountbatten-Windsor initially stepped back from royal duties in 2019 amid the Epstein scandal, formally relinquishing his royal title in October 2025 when the allegations resurfaced.
“I will no longer use my title or the honors which have been conferred upon me,” he stated to Us Weekly. “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
Among Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s children, Prince Andrew has experienced notable highs and lows. Andrew Lownie’s 2025 book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, provides an unflattering portrayal of the royal, described by the BBC as “an unrelentingly unflattering portrait.”
Introduction to Jeffrey Epstein
In a 2019 Newsnight interview, Mountbatten-Windsor stated he met Epstein in 1999, although his private secretary’s 2011 notes suggested they met in the early 1990s. Maxwell reportedly introduced the two.
Visits to Windsor Castle
Mountbatten-Windsor confirmed to Newsnight that Epstein visited him at Windsor Castle and Sandringham in 2000, clarifying that Epstein was not formally invited by the royal family.
“It was certainly at my invitation, not the Royal Family’s,” he explained. That year, both were seen at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Epstein’s Legal Troubles
Epstein pleaded guilty to child prostitution charges in 2008, serving 13 months in jail. Mountbatten-Windsor claimed he ceased contact during the trial but reconnected in 2010.
“I’m terribly sorry I can’t be [seen with] you,” he explained.
Controversial New York Visit
In 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor visited Epstein in New York following Epstein’s release. He explained on Newsnight that the visit aimed to end their association due to Epstein’s conviction.
Days later, they were photographed in Central Park.
“We decided to part company during that walk in the park,” Mountbatten-Windsor told Newsnight.
Resignation from Trade Role
Following the Central Park photo, Buckingham Palace announced in 2011 that Mountbatten-Windsor resigned as a U.K. trade envoy.
Allegations of Sexual Assault
Giuffre accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual assault when she was 17, claiming she was paid by Maxwell to engage with him after a night out in London in 2001.
“I’ve no recollection of ever meeting her,” he told Newsnight in 2019.
Maitlis questioned Giuffre’s claim of Mountbatten-Windsor “profusely sweating” at the club.
“I have a medical condition where I don’t sweat,” he replied, attributing it to an adrenaline overdose during the Falklands War.
Giuffre won a defamation lawsuit against Maxwell in 2017 and settled with Epstein in 2009.
Epstein’s Arrest and Death
Epstein was arrested for sex trafficking minors on July 6, 2019, and died of suspected suicide on August 10, 2019.
Newsnight Interview
In a 58-minute interview with BBC Newsnight, Mountbatten-Windsor hesitated to express regret over his friendship with Epstein.
“The opportunities I had because of him were useful,” he stated.
Stepping Back
Following the interview, Mountbatten-Windsor announced in November 2019 that he would step back from royal duties.
“The association with Epstein has become a major disruption,” he said. “I have asked Her Majesty to step back from public duties.”
Lawsuit and Settlement
Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021, which was settled in February 2022 for an undisclosed sum, with Mountbatten-Windsor maintaining his innocence.
“Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms. Giuffre’s charity,” his attorneys stated.
Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
New Book and Alleged Emails
Andrew Lownie’s 2025 book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York revealed alleged emails between Mountbatten-Windsor, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and Epstein.
Ferguson’s spokesperson stated she regretted her association with Epstein and condemned him publicly.
Official Resignation and Title Relinquishment
In October 2025, Mountbatten-Windsor announced he would relinquish his royal title.
“The accusations distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” he stated.
Buckingham Palace Action
On October 30, 2025, King Charles III began the process to strip Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal titles. He will be required to vacate Royal Lodge.
“Formal notice has been served to surrender the lease,” Buckingham Palace confirmed.
Photos from Epstein’s Estate
On December 12, 2025, photos from Epstein’s estate were released, featuring Mountbatten-Windsor and other notable figures.
Bill Gates acknowledged it was “foolish” to associate with Epstein.
Us reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
No Police Action Over Allegations
On December 13, 2025, the Metropolitan Police announced no further action against Mountbatten-Windsor regarding allegations of seeking information on Giuffre.
“The Met remains committed to assessing any new information,” they stated.
Giuffre’s family expressed disappointment over the dropped investigation.
Us reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
