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Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal: The Newsnight Interview - BBC News
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Viewers interested in the Epstein scandal, royal family controversies, and detailed accounts of high-profile interviews.
TL;DR
Prince Andrew discusses his past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein in a 2019 Newsnight interview. He explains how they met, their limited interactions, and denies awareness of Epstein's criminal activities at the time. Andrew details his decision to end contact with Epstein in 2010.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Andrew claims his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was based on Epstein's ability to connect influential people, not a close personal bond.
- He states he met Epstein through his girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their interactions were infrequent, primarily occurring when he was in the US.
- Andrew asserts he was unaware of Epstein's illegal activities, including sex trafficking, during their association, despite his involvement with child protection charities.
- He acknowledges visiting Epstein's properties, including his private island and homes, and hosting Epstein at royal residences, but maintains no suspicion arose.
- Andrew explains his decision to visit Epstein in 2010 was to formally end their friendship due to Epstein's conviction, not to socialize.
- He claims their parting was by mutual agreement during a walk in the park, and he had no further contact with Epstein after that meeting.
- Andrew denies attending a party celebrating Epstein's release from prison, stating he was only aware of a small dinner where he was present.
In This Video
- 00:00Unusual Circumstances for Interview
Prince Andrew speaks out for the first time about Jeffrey Epstein and related matters. He explains the timing of the interview.
- 00:58Friendship with Epstein
Andrew met Epstein in 1999 through his girlfriend. He describes their friendship as not very close, seeing him only a few times a year.
- 01:52Epstein's Social Circle
Epstein had an ability to bring extraordinary people together. Andrew attended dinner parties with academics and politicians.
- 03:01Trust and Navy Transition
Andrew trusted Epstein. He was transitioning out of the Navy and wanted to learn about international business.
- 04:15Epstein's Visits to Royal Residences
Epstein was a guest at Windsor Castle and Sandringham in 2000. Andrew clarifies these were his invitations, not the Royal Family's.
- 05:07Lack of Awareness of Epstein's Crimes
Andrew claims he had no indication of Epstein's sex trafficking activities. He was patron of NSPCC and knew what to look for.
- 06:37Princess Beatrice's Birthday Party
Epstein was invited to Princess Beatrice's 18th birthday party in 2006. Andrew was unaware of the arrest warrant at the time.
- 07:33Ceasing Contact After Conviction
Andrew ceased contact with Epstein in late 2006 after he was aware of the investigation. He reconnected in 2010.
- 08:25Meeting Epstein Post-Conviction
Andrew visited Epstein in New York in 2010 to tell him it was inappropriate to be seen together. They agreed to part ways.
Questions & Answers
Why did Prince Andrew agree to the Newsnight interview?
Prince Andrew agreed to the interview to discuss his work and address matters related to Jeffrey Epstein, having been in talks with Newsnight for about six months.
How did Prince Andrew first meet Jeffrey Epstein?
Prince Andrew first met Jeffrey Epstein in 1999 through Epstein's girlfriend, whom he had known since university.
Did Prince Andrew consider Jeffrey Epstein a close friend?
No, Prince Andrew stated it would be a stretch to call Epstein a close friend, seeing him only a few times a year and often through other people.
Was Prince Andrew aware of Epstein's illegal activities when he visited him?
Prince Andrew claimed there was no indication of Epstein's sex trafficking activities when he visited him or stayed at his homes, especially as he was involved in child protection campaigns.
Why did Prince Andrew visit Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 after his conviction?
Prince Andrew visited Epstein in 2010 to tell him it was inappropriate to be seen together after his conviction, deciding a face-to-face conversation was necessary.
Did Prince Andrew attend a party celebrating Epstein's release from prison?
Prince Andrew stated there wasn't a party to celebrate Epstein's release in December 2010, but attended a small dinner party with about eight to ten people.
Key Terms
- Jeffrey Epstein — A financier and convicted sex offender with whom Prince Andrew had a controversial friendship.
- Ghislaine Maxwell — Epstein's associate, convicted of sex trafficking offenses related to his abuse of young girls.
- Sex Trafficking — The illegal trade of humans for sexual exploitation, a crime Jeffrey Epstein was convicted of.