American lawyers representing victims of Jeffrey Epstein have stated that women with information about Prince Andrew are reluctant to speak with British police due to a lack of faith in the authorities and concerns about press intrusion. Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing hundreds of Epstein survivors, told the BBC that multiple clients who could provide testimony regarding the former prince are unwilling to engage with UK law enforcement. These individuals fear they would not be treated appropriately and are concerned about the potential for harassment by the British press.
Lack of Faith and Press Intrusion Cited
Edwards articulated two primary reasons for his clients’ reluctance. Firstly, he noted a perceived lack of action from authorities when Epstein was alive, leading to low confidence. Secondly, and more critically, he highlighted the deterrent effect of harassment by the British press, which has discouraged cooperation with UK authorities or media outlets.
One of Edwards’ clients alleges she was sent to the UK for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew. She further claims the encounter occurred at Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s home, in 2010, prior to an invitation for tea at Buckingham Palace. Thames Valley Police confirmed in February that they would assess this specific allegation.
This woman is the second to allege abuse in the UK, following Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew’s most prominent accuser. Edwards indicated that more than one client initially expressed willingness to cooperate with British police concerning allegations against Prince Andrew. However, their willingness waned after UK-based journalists began investigating the woman and her family, leading other potential witnesses to observe the threat to privacy that speaking out entailed.
Thames Valley Police acknowledged engagement with the woman’s legal team. However, her lawyer stated she would not communicate with the police directly due to privacy concerns. Edwards confirmed that Thames Valley Police had been in contact with him.
Broader Police Inquiries and Past Complaints
Last week, Thames Valley Police indicated they might investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against the former prince. This would be part of an ongoing inquiry into alleged misconduct in public office. The inquiry began after documents released in the US suggested Prince Andrew had passed sensitive information to Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy.
Sigrid McCawley, another US lawyer representing Epstein survivors who may have been trafficked to the UK, also spoke to BBC News. She stated that since the US Department of Justice released Epstein’s files in January, she has received no communication from the Metropolitan Police.
McCawley previously represented Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was brought to the UK in 2001 by Epstein for sexual encounters with Prince Andrew. Giuffre filed a complaint with London’s Metropolitan Police in 2015. Although interviewed multiple times, she was informed that no investigation would proceed. Giuffre settled a civil case against Prince Andrew in 2022 for an estimated £12 million and died by suicide last year.
Prince Andrew was arrested on February 19 and released under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police have not named him, referring to him only as “a man in his 60s from Norfolk,” as is standard practice before charges are laid. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has stated he did not gain personally from his role as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008, died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Police Reassurance and Open Door Policy
A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs’ Council stated that UK policing efforts have been made to contact victim-survivors who have publicly shared their experiences. They acknowledged that not everyone has been reached and that efforts are ongoing. The council emphasized that coming forward can be difficult and assured that anyone affected can do so in their own time.
The spokesperson added, “Should any victim-survivors choose to contact UK policing, they will be treated with care, compassion and respect, with their wellbeing, privacy and right to anonymity at the centre of our response.” The police maintain that their “door remains open.”
Future Considerations
The reluctance of potential witnesses to engage with UK law enforcement raises significant questions about the future of investigations into allegations connected to Prince Andrew and the broader Epstein network. The assurances from the National Police Chiefs’ Council will be closely watched to see if they can rebuild trust and encourage cooperation. The ongoing US legal processes and the potential release of further documents could also influence how survivors perceive the safety and efficacy of engaging with UK authorities. The ability of police forces to protect the privacy of individuals coming forward will be a critical factor in the progress of any inquiries.
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