The Guardian view on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: driven by a belief that his status made him untouchable | Editorial

"When Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles last October, it was presented as a final act: a disgraced royal cut loose to protect the monarchy. The Epstein files suggest otherwise. Photographs and emails released by US authorities place Mr Mountbatten-Windsor deep inside Epstein's network of favours. And they reveal an intimacy that goes far beyond poor judgment by the former prince. This is no longer about salacious gossip or constitutional niceties, but about providing accountability to victims of sexual abuse."

"The details are jaw-dropping. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor engaged with Epstein's offer of a friend for dinner, described as 26, Russian, beautiful, trustworthy, despite the financier's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. He is pictured on all fours, looming over a woman lying on the floor. Other emails imply that the king's brother proposed Buckingham Palace as a discreet meeting place with Epstein. He appeared to ask the financier how to dodge personal investment restrictions. As UK trade envoy, he apparently lobbied foreign states on Epstein's behalf."

"The allegation that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was 17 was denied, but resolved through a reported 12m settlement without any admission of guilt. Now a second alleged victim has told the BBC she was flown to Britain by Epstein to provide sexual services to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Lodge in 2010. Legal records also cite an exotic dancer who says she was pressured into"

Photographs and emails released by US authorities indicate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had deep, continuing ties to Jeffrey Epstein's network. The materials show intimate interactions, including contact about a 26-year-old woman and a photograph of him looming over a woman on the floor. Emails suggest proposals to use Buckingham Palace for meetings, queries about dodging investment restrictions, and lobbying on Epstein's behalf while serving as UK trade envoy. A claimed December 2010 break with Epstein appears false given later correspondence. A sexual-assault allegation by Virginia Giuffre was denied but resolved by a reported £12m settlement, and other alleged victims report trips and pressure involving Epstein.

Read at www.theguardian.com