Prince Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein will never not be a problem. Even though the Prince’s outing on 27 February 2024 had nothing to do with the controversy, it somehow got linked back to it.
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On that day, Prince Andrew joined some of his family in church to celebrate the life of the late King of Greece who happens to be one of Prince William’s godfathers. That memorial service, though not an official royal function, was still scrutinised.
In the pictures taken, Prince Andrew can be seen smiling with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, making their way to church. But that isn’t it, the couple is clearly leading the rest of the family. A sight which doesn’t sit right with Jeffrey Epstein’s victims.
Epstein’s victims speak out
In an exclusive piece from Mirroran anonymous (for legal reasons) victim speaks of her outrage. She said:
Anyone looking at those images would think Andrew had not done a damn thing wrong.
His Cheshire cat-like grin is galling. For years, we held onto the belief that we wouldn’t have to suffer this prince. It is shameful.
It is true that a slim form of comfort for Epstein’s victims came when Queen Elizabeth II removed Prince Andrew’s royal titles and banned him from attending royal functions. However, since the Queen’s death in September 2022, Prince Andrew seems to be making a comeback in the spotlight.
In May 2023, he was seen attending his brother’s coronation wearing the Knight of the Garter robe which is reserved for twenty-four knights and senior members of the Royal Family. However, many thought it inappropriate for Prince Andrew to wear it as he is no longer a working royal.
Then over the summer, Prince William was seen driving his uncle to church. A gesture which many believed meant that the disgraced Prince was slowly being welcomed back in the royal fold. Finally, at Christmas, Prince Andrew made headlines again when his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson joined the family on their Christmas walkabout in Sandringham.
Russell Myers, the Royal editor of Mirror explains:
His lofty appearance in his grand Knight of the Garter robes at the King's coronation last May set the scene for further outings.
Seemingly unwilling to fade into the background, as the King and Prince William continue to hope following his very public demise, Andrew even took it upon himself to question royal fans who gathered at Sandringham at Christmas as to why they were gathered filming.
His mere presence and role as leader of the pack on Tuesday 27 February seems to fit unto the royal editor’s explanation. Prince Andrew seems to refuse to be in the background and forgotten. Understandable, when you know that he was his mother’s favourite and his nickname is ‘the pampered prince.’
More criticism for Prince Andrew
The anonymous victim of Epstein isn’t the only person who spoke out. US attorney Spencer Kuvin, who represents victims of Epstein, also spoke to Mirror. He said:
While the medical issues within the Royal family are sad and unfortunate, Andrew being seen as he was at such an event is an insult to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein worldwide. The Duke's long-time friendship and close personal relationship with Epstein brings into serious question Andrew's ethics and character.
The attorney also challenged the argument saying that this was a private and family event. As far as Kuvin is concerned ‘the message his appearance sends to the world is one that he is being accepted back into royal life.’ He adds:
It should never be allowed to happen.
Royal author and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine,Ingrid Seward, also expressed her bewilderment at how things unfolded on 27 February. For her it was ‘extraordinary’ to see him in this leader role after everything that has happened.
(...) it is extraordinary to see him front and centre considering protocol is so important to the royal family. The royal family has an order of precedence when walking into a room, which makes it all the more surprising.
Finally, it is worth noting that Sarah Ferguson’s presence is also a blow to Epstein’s victims. Even though the Duchess of York has condemned him it is a known fact that she received money from him when she was on the edge of bankruptcy.
What do you think about this?
Read more:
⋙ Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson: Is remarriage on the cards? Experts seem to disagree
⋙ Sarah Ferguson dials back support for Prince Andrew as Epstein victim doubles down on claims
⋙ Prince Andrew: His biographer predicts a very grim future for the royal
Sources:
Mirror: Jeffrey Epstein victims blast grinning Prince Andrew for 'rubbing salt in the wound'
