Prince Andrew Hosted Epstein and Weinstein Days Before Arrest

Royal Scandal Deepens as Photo Reveals Private Meeting

New evidence has emerged showing that Prince Andrew hosted Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Harvey Weinstein at his private Windsor residence just eight days before Epstein's arrest in 2006. The BBC investigation, based on photographic analysis, reveals the trio visited Royal Lodge during Princess Beatrice's 18th birthday celebrations, adding another layer to the ongoing royal scandal.

The Windsor Gathering

According to the BBC investigation, the controversial meeting took place at Royal Lodge, Andrew's 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park. The broadcaster matched architectural details in the photo with the property's distinctive features, confirming the location. 'This wasn't just a casual encounter at a public event - they were specifically hosted at Andrew's private home,' said a royal commentator familiar with the investigation.

The gathering occurred in July 2006, just two months after US authorities had issued an arrest warrant for Epstein for sexual assault of a minor. Epstein would be arrested in Florida eight days after the Windsor meeting.

Andrew's Defense

Prince Andrew has consistently maintained he was unaware of Epstein's legal troubles at the time. In his 2019 BBC interview, he stated: 'I absolutely did not know what was going on in the United States when the invitation was sent. I didn't know until the media reported it. Epstein never said anything about it.'

However, the timing raises questions about the prince's judgment, given that Epstein's legal issues were already public knowledge in the United States.

Weinstein's Presence

The presence of Harvey Weinstein adds another dimension to the scandal. The Hollywood producer, who would later be convicted of multiple sexual assaults and become a central figure in the #MeToo movement, was photographed alongside Epstein and Maxwell. 'The convergence of these three figures at a royal residence is deeply troubling,' noted a victims' rights advocate.

Financial Arrangements Under Scrutiny

The revelations come amid growing scrutiny of Andrew's living arrangements. According to leaked documents, Andrew has been paying only a symbolic 'peppercorn' rent of £1 per year for Royal Lodge since 2003. The 75-year lease agreement requires him to pay 'one peppercorn (if demanded)' annually, while taxpayers effectively subsidize the maintenance of the historic property.

'The public deserves to know why a prince with such controversial associations continues to live in luxury at minimal cost,' said a member of Parliament critical of the arrangement.

Giuffre's Memoir Adds Pressure

The timing coincides with the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir, which contains detailed allegations against Prince Andrew. In her book, Giuffre claims Andrew sexually abused her multiple times when she was a teenager trafficked by Epstein. 'He saw sex as his birthright,' she wrote in the memoir released earlier this month.

Royal Fallout

In response to mounting pressure, Andrew recently relinquished his Duke of York title and other royal honors, though he remains a prince by birth. The scandal has also affected King Charles, who faced protests during a recent public appearance where attendees shouted questions about his brother's conduct.

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on whether Andrew will be required to leave Royal Lodge. The ongoing revelations continue to challenge the monarchy's reputation and raise fundamental questions about accountability within the royal family.