Buckingham Palace has been accused of “protecting” Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by a Jeffrey Epstein victim.
Jess Michaels was sexually assaulted by Epstein in 1991 at the age of 22.
Following yesterday’s revelations the Palace received emails six years ago that appear to show that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential information while trade envoy, she has claimed the institution has protected the former prince.
Emails allegedly showing Andrew’s contentious financial activities were delivered to the Lord Chamberlain, the Royal Household’s most senior official, as part of an archive of 30,000 emails in 2020.
It is not known what happened to the emails shared with the Palace.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Michaels said: “Six years ago, the Palace knew Andrew wasn’t just a problem, he could face a criminal investigation. And they sat on it.”
Ms Michaels, who was a professional dancer in New York when she was assaulted, argued the Palace’s failure to investigate allegations against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor reflected a broader failure to support victims, including Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year.
“Protecting him meant doubting her,” she said. “Virginia Roberts Giuffre was telling the truth, and she didn’t live to see them admit it. That breaks my heart and it should break everyone’s.
Buckingham Palace has been accused of ‘protecting’ Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by a Jeffrey Epstein victim
| GETTY
“This is what institutions do. They protect powerful men and leave the people they harmed to carry it.”
Thames Valley Police announced last week they were assessing possible sexual offences as part of the investigation into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged misconduct in public office, after his arrest in February.
Andrew has consistently and strongly denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein or any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.
The force is understood to be assessing reports a woman was allegedly taken to an address in Windsor in 2010.
