Prince Andrew Hosted Epstein Days Before Arrest

Published: 28 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Prince Andrew has reportedly hosted disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein at his Royal Lodge residence just days before Epstein’s arrest in the United States, reigniting scrutiny of the Duke of York’s longstanding connections to the late paedophile. According to BBC reports, Epstein attended the Windsor property alongside his associate Ghislaine Maxwell and Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein as part of celebrations for Andrew’s daughter Beatrice’s 18th birthday masked ball in 2006.

The event, which took place at the private Royal Lodge in Windsor, occurred merely two months after a U.S. arrest warrant had been issued against Epstein for sexual assault charges involving a minor. Epstein was eventually apprehended in Florida eight days after attending the event. This timing has prompted renewed criticism and questions about Andrew’s judgment and awareness of Epstein’s legal status at the time.

Prince Andrew has previously maintained that he was unaware of Epstein’s arrest warrant when inviting him to his daughter’s milestone birthday celebration. In a 2019 interview with BBC Newsnight, he insisted that he did not know the outstanding legal actions against the financier when extending the invitation. Nonetheless, the revelation that Epstein was hosted at Andrew’s private home shortly before his arrest has raised eyebrows and intensified calls for greater accountability from the royal family.

Earlier reports confirmed that Epstein, Maxwell, and Weinstein were present at the event, but it had not been established until now that Andrew had directly hosted them at the Royal Lodge prior to the celebration. The event has resurfaced amid ongoing public debate over Andrew’s role in the Epstein scandal and his continued association with controversial figures.

This latest report comes in the context of broader scrutiny surrounding the Duke of York, who has faced repeated criticism over his ties to Epstein over the years. In addition to this new revelation about the Royal Lodge event, Andrew has been the subject of extensive media coverage following the posthumous memoirs of his sexual assault accuser, Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre has publicly alleged that Andrew was involved in abusive activities connected to Epstein’s criminal network—a claim the Duke continues to vehemently deny.

The Royal Lodge itself has also been a point of controversy. Prince Andrew reportedly paid a “peppercorn rent” on the 30-room property for two decades, prompting questions about the propriety of such arrangements and the broader implications for public accountability. The combination of Andrew’s hosting of Epstein, the property arrangements, and his ongoing legal and reputational challenges has fueled calls for his removal from public life entirely.

Experts and royal commentators have noted that hosting a figure like Epstein, particularly in a private residence associated with the monarchy, carries significant symbolic and reputational weight. “Even if Andrew genuinely did not know about the arrest warrant, the optics are extremely poor,” one commentator told The English Chronicle. “It highlights the dangers of mingling within circles that include individuals with known criminal histories, and it underscores the challenges the monarchy faces in maintaining public trust.”

The timing of the Royal Lodge gathering—just days before Epstein’s arrest—has also reignited scrutiny over Maxwell and Weinstein’s presence. Both individuals have long histories of legal and moral controversy. Maxwell, for instance, was later convicted for her role in facilitating Epstein’s abuse of minors, while Weinstein’s criminal convictions for sexual assault have made him a globally recognised figure of scandal. Their attendance at Beatrice’s 18th birthday ball adds another layer of complexity to public perceptions of Andrew’s social and personal judgment.

Legal analysts have emphasised that while hosting individuals with criminal accusations does not inherently imply complicity, it does place hosts under intense public scrutiny, particularly when high-profile figures such as members of the royal family are involved. “The Duke of York’s continued insistence that he was unaware of Epstein’s legal jeopardy may be sincere,” said a legal expert. “But in the court of public opinion, timing and association matter. Hosting Epstein just days before his arrest inevitably raises questions about judgment and awareness.”

The revelations have occurred against a backdrop of escalating calls for accountability within the royal household. The monarchy has faced growing pressure to clarify Andrew’s status and to address concerns regarding his interactions with figures like Epstein and Maxwell. While Andrew has taken steps to reduce his public engagements in recent years, these ongoing disclosures continue to challenge the royal family’s ability to maintain its image of propriety and moral rectitude.

Beatrice’s masked ball itself, originally intended as a celebratory event marking a milestone birthday, is now viewed through the lens of scandal. Images and accounts from the event have resurfaced in media reports, emphasising the presence of controversial figures at a high-profile royal gathering. Such events illustrate the complex intersection of private life, public perception, and historical accountability for members of the monarchy.

Public reactions to the latest reports have been mixed but generally critical. Social media platforms have seen an uptick in commentary questioning Andrew’s judgment and the continued association of the royal family with individuals of Epstein’s notoriety. Some commentators have argued that the Duke’s decisions reflect broader issues within elite social networks, where status and privilege sometimes overshadow moral and legal considerations. Others have suggested that while Andrew may not have been legally culpable, the optics are damaging and have long-term implications for the monarchy’s credibility.

In addition to public opinion, legal ramifications continue to loom. Andrew has faced lawsuits and civil claims related to Epstein’s activities, and while he has denied any wrongdoing, the legal spotlight remains intense. The renewed focus on the Royal Lodge event adds historical context to ongoing legal scrutiny, particularly regarding Andrew’s awareness of Epstein’s criminal status and the company he kept.

The story also underscores the broader societal interest in the intersections of wealth, power, and criminal activity. Epstein, Maxwell, and Weinstein represent a nexus of influence, fame, and alleged criminality that draws public attention whenever associated with prominent figures. Andrew’s hosting of these individuals highlights the complex responsibilities and ethical considerations for public figures, particularly those connected to national institutions like the monarchy.

Moving forward, analysts predict that the latest revelations about the Royal Lodge gathering will sustain media and public attention on Andrew. The Duke’s legal team and royal communications office are expected to respond, potentially reiterating past statements that Andrew was unaware of the arrest warrant and emphasising his continued denial of all accusations. However, the combination of historical context, property arrangements, and renewed public scrutiny ensures that the story remains a focal point in discussions about the monarchy, privilege, and accountability.

In conclusion, Prince Andrew’s hosting of Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Harvey Weinstein at the Royal Lodge just days before Epstein’s arrest in 2006 adds a significant layer of scrutiny to an already complex narrative. The timing, associations, and historical context contribute to public and media concerns regarding Andrew’s judgment and the monarchy’s management of private interactions. As legal proceedings, memoirs, and media reporting continue to emerge, the legacy of this event will remain a prominent chapter in ongoing discussions about ethics, accountability, and public trust within the royal family.