Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is once again under the public microscope, as newly unsealed court documents bring his controversial past back to light. The British royal, whose association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has sparked global outrage in the past, now faces renewed scrutiny. These documents, unsealed by the U.S. District Court in early 2024, contain fresh allegations and testimonies that could severely tarnish the Prince’s already fragile reputation.
Why does this matter now? Because these revelations not only revive a scandal that the royal family has tried hard to bury but also present new narratives that contradict Prince Andrew’s previous public denials—especially those made in the infamous BBC Newsnight interview. With shocking claims from key individuals involved in Epstein’s inner circle, including former staff and alleged victims, this latest development is more than just a PR nightmare—it’s a significant reputational crisis that could have lasting implications for the Duke and the monarchy itself.
In the backdrop of these court revelations, Prince Andrew’s efforts to return to public life appear more distant than ever. What’s more, the scandal has taken another twist with controversial claims from Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most vocal accusers, adding a layer of complexity to the already explosive saga.
The Epstein Connection Revisited
Let’s rewind a bit. Prince Andrew’s name first became widely entangled with Jeffrey Epstein’s in the late 2000s. At the time, Epstein, a wealthy financier, was already under scrutiny for his connections to high-profile individuals and allegations of operating a vast sex trafficking ring involving minors. Prince Andrew, unfortunately, was one of those high-profile individuals.
Photos of the Prince with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as a widely circulated image of Andrew with his arm around a young Virginia Giuffre (then Roberts), became symbolic of the scandal. What followed was a media storm that prompted Prince Andrew to step back from royal duties and culminated in a disastrous BBC Newsnight interview in 2019. In that interview, he denied having any memory of meeting Giuffre, claimed he was at a Pizza Express on one of the alleged nights in question, and insisted he could not sweat—a claim widely mocked and debunked.
Though he attempted to clear his name, the interview instead deepened public skepticism and led to greater scrutiny. He eventually settled Giuffre’s civil lawsuit out of court in early 2022, reportedly paying millions without admitting guilt. Many hoped that would close the chapter. But the newly unsealed court documents suggest this saga is far from over.
Unsealed Court Documents – What’s New?
In January 2024, hundreds of pages of testimony and legal documentation were released by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. These files, connected to a longstanding case against Epstein, named several prominent individuals—including Prince Andrew.
The new documents aren’t just rehashing old allegations—they introduce fresh details, new statements, and direct contradictions to the Prince’s prior claims. Among the key testimonies is that of Juan Alessi, Epstein’s former house manager, who recounted extensive time Prince Andrew allegedly spent at Epstein’s Palm Beach residence.
Even more damaging is the sworn statement from Johanna Sjoberg, another alleged victim, who claimed that Prince Andrew once groped her breast while sitting on a couch with Epstein and Maxwell. These testimonies bring new depth to earlier claims, suggesting a pattern of behavior and a level of familiarity with Epstein that the Prince had previously denied.
Let’s dig into the most alarming details.
Juan Alessi’s Claims
Alessi’s testimony paints a picture of Prince Andrew as a frequent and comfortable guest in Epstein’s home. He alleged that the Duke spent “weeks” at the Palm Beach mansion and described him receiving “daily massages.” These massages have been at the center of past allegations, as they were often a euphemism used to describe the grooming process used by Epstein and his associates.
Alessi, who worked as a house manager for years, provided extensive insights into the logistics of the house, its visitors, and what went on behind closed doors. His testimony, corroborated by house logs and travel documents, raises serious doubts about Prince Andrew’s previous claims of only limited contact with Epstein and his associates.
One of the most chilling aspects of Alessi’s statement was how normalized these visits were, with Prince Andrew treated not as a rare guest but as a familiar presence. If true, this directly contradicts the Prince’s public narrative of being distantly acquainted with Epstein.
Johanna Sjoberg’s Allegations
Johanna Sjoberg’s claims, also part of the newly unsealed documents, center on an incident she says occurred in Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse. According to her, she and another girl were told to sit on Epstein and Andrew’s laps for a photo, during which Prince Andrew allegedly groped her breast.
While this specific allegation had been mentioned in previous court filings, its inclusion in the newly released batch—along with other corroborating details—adds credibility and makes it harder for the Prince to dismiss. Sjoberg’s testimony paints a grim picture of a young woman caught in a web of power, influence, and coercion.
Together, the testimonies of Alessi and Sjoberg provide a damning narrative that contradicts Prince Andrew’s denials and settlement strategy. And they’re just the tip of the iceberg.
