The woman, identified only as KA in court documents, told a London judge on Friday that she attended a private dinner with Prince Andrew in his 50-room apartment at Buckingham Palace in 2001. The meeting allegedly occurred during a period when Epstein was under federal investigation in the U.S. for sex trafficking.
The claim surfaces as Prince Andrew faces renewed scrutiny over his decades-long ties to Epstein. Court filings from a 2019 lawsuit allege that Andrew and Epstein maintained a close friendship, sharing private jets, yachts, and high-profile social circles. KA’s testimony is part of an ongoing civil case in London, where she is suing Epstein’s estate for damages.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2001 — Year of alleged dinner in Buckingham Palace
- 2019 — Year Prince Andrew settled a U.S. sexual assault case out of court
- 50 — Rooms in Prince Andrew’s reported Buckingham Palace apartment
KA’s legal team argues that the dinner is evidence of Andrew’s awareness of Epstein’s predatory behavior. ‘This was not a casual meeting,’ said her attorney, Mark Stephens. ‘It was a deliberate gathering orchestrated by Epstein to solidify their network of influence.’ Buckingham Palace has not issued a public response to the claim.
Key Points
- ⚖️ Woman alleges she dined with Prince Andrew in his Buckingham Palace apartment in 2001
- 👑 Prince Andrew’s private apartment reportedly spans 50 rooms
- 🔄 Dinner allegedly took place while Epstein was under U.S. federal investigation
Evidence in the case includes emails and flight logs, which KA’s legal team says prove she was introduced to Andrew by Epstein. One document, obtained by this newspaper, shows a 2000 email from Epstein’s assistant confirming a ‘reservation for three’ at Andrew’s private residence. The guest list included KA and another woman who later filed a lawsuit against Epstein.
💡 Pro Tip
Court filings are public records, but accessing them quickly requires familiarity with UK’s Civil Procedure Rules. Requests for urgent disclosure can be filed if evidence risks destruction or tampering.
Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling his association with Epstein a ‘serious error in judgment.’ In 2019, he stepped down from public duties after a BBC interview where he failed to show remorse for his friendship with Epstein. The interview, described by critics as ‘disastrous,’ led to his removal from over 200 patronages and charities.
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Alleged dinner at Buckingham Palace | Unconfirmed |
| 2015 | First public allegations emerge against Epstein | Epstein charged with soliciting prostitution |
| 2019 | Prince Andrew settles U.S. sexual assault case | Case dismissed, no admission of guilt |
| 2020 | BBC interview with Prince Andrew | Withdrawal from public life |
The latest claim against Andrew comes as the U.S. Department of Justice reopens its investigation into Epstein’s associates. Earlier this year, federal prosecutors subpoenaed records related to Andrew’s communications with Epstein, signaling potential legal exposure. Legal experts warn that if KA’s testimony holds up, it could strengthen other claims against the prince and reignite calls for his prosecution.
- 🔍 The dinner allegedly occurred during a critical period in Epstein’s legal troubles, suggesting possible obstruction of justice
- 📊 KA’s lawsuit is one of over 100 filed against Epstein’s estate, seeking damages for abuse
- ⚠️ The statute of limitations in the U.K. for sexual abuse claims is 3 years, but exceptions apply for historic cases
Buckingham Palace’s silence on the matter contrasts with its swift response to other controversies. A former royal aide told this newspaper, ‘The palace operates on a delay when it comes to scandals. They wait for the storm to pass, but this one isn’t going away.’
As the London court case progresses, the royal family faces mounting pressure to address Andrew’s legal exposure. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is reportedly concerned about the reputational damage, though no statement has been issued. Meanwhile, KA’s legal team has requested expedited proceedings, arguing that her health and safety are at risk due to ongoing threats she claims to have received.