The Jeffrey Epstein survivor has accused Buckingham Palace of ‘protecting’ Andrew, amid new allegations linked to confidential emails and an ongoing police assessment.
The allegation was made by Jess Michaels, who claims she was sexually assaulted by Epstein in 1991, when she was 22 years old.
She claims that after recent revelations about a large archive of emails allegedly involving Andrew’s work as a trade envoy, the Royal Household failed to properly investigate concerns raised years ago.
According to Michaels, emails purporting to contain sensitive information relating to Andrew’s financial and official activities were allegedly sent to the Lord Chamberlain in 2020 as part of a wider cache of around 30,000 messages.
She argued that the Palace’s handling of the historic allegations reflected a broader institutional failure, saying victims such as Virginia Giuffre, who died last year, had not received adequate support.
“Protecting him meant doubting her,” she said, adding that institutions “often protect powerful men and leave victims behind.”
The allegations come as Thames Valley Police continue to assess possible sexual offenses as part of an investigation into Andrew’s alleged misconduct in public office, following his arrest in February.
Officers are also looking into claims over an alleged incident at a Windsor property in 2010, which Andrew has always denied.
Another complainant claimed she was brought to the UK by Epstein and later met Andrew, including on an alleged visit to the Royal Lodge and Buckingham Palace.
Her legal representative said she is currently unwilling to speak to authorities due to concerns about privacy and other intrusions.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing several of Epstein’s victims say they have additional information regarding Andrew, although none are currently in contact with British investigators.
MP Rachael Maskell has called for a public inquiry, arguing that the system surrounding royal governance needs to be reviewed in light of the latest revelations.
Former royal press secretary Ailsa Anderson described the situation as “absolutely horrific”, calling it “another nail in the coffin” for public trust.
King Charles and Buckingham Palace have not commented on these specific allegations.
