Jeffrey Epstein rubbed shoulders with The Queen after Prince Andrew Ascot invite
Prince Andrew welcomed his paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein into the Royal Box at Ascot - alongside her Majesty the Queen and the Queen Mother.
The discovery that the sex offender was in the company of the monarch and her beloved mum pours even greater humiliation on the royal family than was first understood. A picture of Epstein, alongside Andrew and convicted teen sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, while inside the highly protected royal enclosure, took pride of place in the paedophile's 'House of Horrors'.
The image, taken on Ladies' Day on June 22, 2000, shows the Duke of York alongside the American financier and the disgraced British socialite in an invitation-only area strictly reserved for members of the monarchy and their guests. The photograph was discovered during a search of Epstein's £60 million Manhattan mansion, where underage girls were trafficked and abused.
It was placed in the residence's main corridor, surrounded by images of Epstein with other high-profile figures, including the Pope, Fidel Castro, Sir Richard Branson, and Mick Jagger. But sources say Epstein treated Prince Andrew's photo - taken at one of Britain's most prestigious royal events - as a personal badge of legitimacy and protection.
'This was no accident,' said a source. 'That image was positioned to be seen. It was a clear statement of the access and influence Jeff had cultivated. He had it positioned in front of pictures with some of the world 's most powerful and rich men; that is what his friendship with Andrew meant. Jeff wanted everyone and anyone to know he was connected to the royals. He joined Andrew on the day the Queen and her mother were there. He would tell anyone.'
The Manhattan property, where the picture was displayed, was not only Epstein's primary residence but also where Andrew stayed while visiting New York. Court documents, witness testimony and the royal's own words place the Duke inside the house on multiple occasions.
It is also where Andrew's sex abuse accuser, Virginia Giuffre, claimed she had sex with the royal at the behest of Epstein. The Prince repeatedly and vehemently denied her claims.
In 2019, Giuffre, the former 'teen sex slave' of Epstein's, sued the royal for the sexual abuse she claimed she endured in Manhattan. Facing a civil lawsuit in New York, Andrew opted to settle out of court in early 2022, reportedly paying Giuffre £12 million. The payout came without any admission of liability, but it led to Andrew's removal from royal patronages and military titles.
Epstein's house is also where Johanna Sjoberg alleges Andrew groped her breast in 2001 while she was seated on a sofa next to a puppet of the Duke made by Spitting Image. Sjoberg was in her early twenties at the time and says Epstein and Maxwell arranged the meeting. Andrew has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.
The emergence of the Royal Ascot image raises fresh questions about the nature and extent of Andrew's ties to Epstein. The event, deeply associated with the monarchy, is tightly controlled, and access to the Royal Enclosure is highly restricted.
However, it is not the first time Epstein was taken into the royal fold. Andrew brought shame on the royal family after repeatedly inviting him into the monarch's homes. In 1999, he was pictured relaxing with Maxwell at the Queen's Balmoral residence, when the prince reportedly invited the couple to stay at the Scottish estate.
In June 2000, the paedophile attended the Duke of York's 40th birthday celebration at Windsor Castle, a formal gathering organised by Queen Elizabeth II. The event brought Epstein into the very heart of the British monarchy with Andrew later admitting the disgraced financier was there at his personal invitation.
During his 2019 Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, the Prince was directly challenged over Epstein's presence at the royal event. Maitlis said: 'He was your guest, as well, in 2000. Epstein was a guest at Windsor Castle and at Sandringham. He was brought right into the heart of the Royal Family at your invitation.'
Andrew responded: 'Certainly at my invitation, not at the Royal Family's invitation. But remember that it was his girlfriend [Ghislaine Maxwell] that was the key element in this. He was the, as it were, plus one, to some extent in that aspect.'
The Windsor Castle gathering was not the only royal event Epstein attended that year. In December 2000, Prince Andrew hosted a private shooting weekend at Sandringham, the monarch's Norfolk estate, in honour of Maxwell's birthday. Epstein was again on the guest list.
When questioned by Newsnight about this second gathering, Andrew denied it was a birthday celebration, insisting: 'It was just a straightforward shooting weekend.' The revelation that Epstein was present at not one but now three high-profile Royal Family events, all as Andrew's guest, raises further concerns over the extent of the relationship between the Duke and the late American financier, who was later convicted of sex offences involving minors.
Balmoral, Windsor Castle and Sandringham are private royal residences not typically open to outsiders without explicit invitation.
Epstein's access to such venues, particularly one hosted by the Queen herself, illustrated the level of trust and social acceptance he enjoyed within Andrew's inner circle at the time.
That the paedophile, then a private financier with no official role, was granted entry by a senior member of the Royal Family underscores how closely the two men were connected at the time.
Epstein was first convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008 but remained socially active among the elite for years. Investigators have long believed he used his connections to shield himself from scrutiny and prosecution.
He was arrested in 2019 and indicted on child trafficking charges, but took his own life as he awaited trial.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit, 54, has legs amputated in Thailand after 'hit and run' leaves him needing 24/7 care
WARNING, GRAPHIC CONTENT: An alleged it and run in Thailand left a British man requiring surgery to amputate both of his legs. Willie Braid is still recovering in a Bangkok hospital A British expat lost both of his legs in an alleged hit and run in Thailand. Willie Braid, 54, was involved in a crash with a lorry while he was riding a motorbike in the capita l of Bangkok on July 27. The Scottish man was then rushed to hospital with life-changing injuries and the driver of the lorry is alleged to have fled the scene. Following the crash and the injuries Willie sustained, he suffered kidney failure and was placed in an induced coma. Both of his legs had to be amputated below the knee and he still requires round the clock care in hospital. It comes after a schoolboy, 13, has both legs amputated after 'getting cramp' at sports camp. READ MORE: NATO scrambles warplanes as Russia shoots down West's F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine onslaught His sister June, who flew out to Thailand after she was informed of the crash, said Willie has come out of the coma but 'doesn't know where he is or what's happened'. She explained he 'recognises us, but he's very confused'. She told the Daily Record: "He's come out of the coma but he doesn't know where he is or what's happened. He recognises us, but he's very confused. We've got a psychiatrist working with him but he has no comprehension of his injuries or his amputations, he's delirious. "That could be caused by trauma or an infection. Thankfully, he is receiving exceptional care from the medics here, who are doing everything they can to get him better." Willie, who has lived in Thailand for five years, is also receiving kidney dialysis following the crash. It is expected that he could remain in hospital for at least three months. June continued: "I'm not sure how long I'll stay out here for. Right now, I'm taking everything day by day. Willie will have to stay in the trauma unit for the foreseeable future before he can be moved into rehabilitation. As it stands, he cannot fly, but thankfully he's in the best hands possible." Willie will require lifetime support once he is discharged from hospital and will need to move into supported accommodation. June has now launched a fundraiser to help pay for his rehabilitation and medical bills. She continued: "Willie's road to recovery will be long and challenging. He will require 24/7 care in Bangkok, as he is unable to travel until his wounds heal. "Once he is stable, he will undergo rehabilitation and be fitted for prosthetic legs, which will help him regain his independence. With that said, we're seeking support during this difficult time." Nearly £5,000 has been raised since the fundraiser was launched earlier this month. Meanwhile, June and her family are receiving support from the British Embassy in Thailand to trace those responsible for the alleged hit and run and bring them to justice. He added: "Right now, we're receiving support from the embassy to find a lawyer who will take our case up with the police. Until then, we will be fundraising to get Willie better."
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Rhyl Journal
Drag artist at library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online'
Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo. The event, which featured two drag artists, was part of the Eastside Arts Festival. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said earlier this week the event was not appropriate for children and should not have taken place. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event had become the subject of 'targeted misinformation and online abuse'. In a statement released by Phoenix Law, she added: 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. 'It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. 'Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British sign language session – promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside.' She added: 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online.' The drag artist said she is now seeking legal advice. She added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them – whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different – it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters, thank you. 'To those spreading hate – I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said her client had been the victim of a 'campaign of online abuse'. A PSNI statement said: 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Mr Lyons said the event had compromised the perception of public libraries as a 'welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.
North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Drag artist at library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online'
Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo. The event, which featured two drag artists, was part of the Eastside Arts Festival. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said earlier this week the event was not appropriate for children and should not have taken place. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event had become the subject of 'targeted misinformation and online abuse'. In a statement released by Phoenix Law, she added: 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. 'It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. 'Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British sign language session – promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside.' She added: 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online.' The drag artist said she is now seeking legal advice. She added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them – whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different – it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters, thank you. 'To those spreading hate – I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said her client had been the victim of a 'campaign of online abuse'. A PSNI statement said: 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Mr Lyons said the event had compromised the perception of public libraries as a 'welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.
