History of Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal in Timeline

The "Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal" refers to a Newsnight interview in November 2019 where Prince Andrew discussed his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview drew widespread criticism due to Andrew's perceived lack of empathy for Epstein's victims and his questionable explanations of their association. Public and media backlash led to Andrew stepping down from public duties in May 2020. In October 2025, he was stripped of his honorary military roles and royal patronages, and was later stripped of his titles and styles.

1999: Andrew met Epstein through Ghislaine Maxwell

In 1999, Prince Andrew stated he met Jeffrey Epstein through Ghislaine Maxwell, contradicting his private secretary's 2011 account of meeting in the early 1990s. Andrew expressed he did not regret his friendship with Epstein.

March 2001: Andrew denies having sex with Giuffre; claims he was at PizzaExpress in Woking

In March 2001, Prince Andrew denied having sex with Virginia Giuffre on March 10, claiming he was at home with his daughters after attending a party at PizzaExpress in Woking with his elder daughter, Princess Beatrice. He denied meeting Giuffre and questioned the authenticity of a photograph with her.

2001: Giuffre alleges rape by Andrew in London, New York, and Little Saint James

In 2001, Virginia Giuffre alleged that she was raped by Prince Andrew on three occasions, including a trip to London when she was 17, and later in New York and on Little Saint James. She alleged Epstein paid her $15,000 to have sex with Andrew in London.

September 2010: Andrew Allegedly Receives Foot Massage at Epstein's Residence

In September 2010, Prince Andrew, referred to as "Andy", allegedly received a foot massage from two Russian women at Jeffrey Epstein's New York residence, according to an email exchange.

December 2010: Andrew photographed with Epstein in Central Park

In December 2010, Prince Andrew was photographed strolling with Jeffrey Epstein in Central Park, New York City after Epstein was released from prison. This event generated criticism and calls for Andrew to step down from his role as trade envoy.

2010: Andrew admits staying at Epstein's mansion

In 2010, Prince Andrew admitted to staying at Jeffrey Epstein's mansion for three days after Epstein's conviction, describing it as a convenient place to stay. He expressed regret for the decision and stated that he met Epstein to end their relationship, adding that he was willing to testify under oath.

February 2011: Andrew's email to Epstein revealed

On 12 October 2025, it was revealed that Prince Andrew had sent an email to Jeffrey Epstein on 28 February 2011, stating, "We are in this together and will have to rise above it," contradicting his claim of severing ties earlier.

March 2011: Criticism of Andrew's friendship with Epstein

In March 2011, BBC News reported that Prince Andrew's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was drawing criticism, leading to calls for him to resign as trade envoy. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson also disclosed that Andrew helped arrange for Epstein to pay off £15,000 of her debts.

July 2011: Andrew terminates role as trade envoy, cuts ties with Epstein

In July 2011, Prince Andrew's role as trade envoy was terminated, and he reportedly severed all ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

2011: Private Secretary claims Prince Andrew met Epstein in the early 1990s

In 2011, Prince Andrew's private secretary stated that Andrew met Jeffrey Epstein in the early 1990s, which contradicts Prince Andrew's own statement in 1999 that he met Epstein through Ghislaine Maxwell.

September 2013: Email exchange mentions 'Andy' receiving foot massage

In September 2013, an email exchange published in The New Republic mentioned a British man nicknamed "Andy" receiving a foot massage from two Russian women at Epstein's New York residence in September 2010. It was later revealed to be Prince Andrew.

December 2014: Allegations of sexual activity with Virginia Giuffre

On 30 December 2014, a Florida court filing alleged that Prince Andrew participated in sexual activities with a minor, Virginia Giuffre, who was allegedly trafficked by Epstein.

August 2019: Johanna Sjoberg's Allegation

In August 2019, court documents revealed Johanna Sjoberg's evidence alleging that Prince Andrew placed his hand on her breast at Epstein's mansion while posing for a photo.

November 2019: Andrew suspends public duties

In November 2019, following the Newsnight interview, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Andrew was suspending his public duties "for the foreseeable future." He also relinquished his role as chancellor of the University of Huddersfield. KPMG and Standard Chartered withdrew their support.

November 2019: Newsnight Interview with Prince Andrew

In November 2019, the BBC's Newsnight arranged an interview between Prince Andrew and Emily Maitlis, which was recorded on November 14 and broadcast on November 16. This interview marked the first time Andrew publicly discussed his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.

January 2020: Berman states Andrew provided 'zero co-operation'

On 28 January 2020, American attorney Geoffrey Berman stated that Prince Andrew had provided "zero co-operation" with federal prosecutors and the FBI regarding the ongoing investigations into Epstein.

April 2020: Duke of York Young Champions Trophy cancelled

In April 2020, it was reported that the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy would no longer be played, after all activities carried out by the Prince Andrew Charitable Trust were stopped.

May 2020: Andrew resigns from public roles

In May 2020, Prince Andrew permanently resigned from all his public roles due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

2020: Maitlis wins award for Newsnight interview

In 2020, Emily Maitlis won the Network Presenter of the Year award at the RTS Television Journalism Awards for her Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. The interview itself was also awarded as Interview of the Year and Scoop of the Year.

2020: Newsnight episode nominated for BAFTA award

In 2020, the Newsnight episode featuring the Prince Andrew interview and the production team were nominated in the news coverage category at the British Academy Television Awards.

2021: Giuffre's lawyers to use Newsnight interview in legal action

In 2021, one of Virginia Giuffre's lawyers, Sigrid McCawley, stated that the Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew would strengthen the case against him in legal action, confirming it would be part of their strategy.

January 2022: Queen Elizabeth II removes Andrew's military affiliations and royal patronages

In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II removed Prince Andrew's military affiliations and royal patronages and confirmed that he would no longer use the style "His Royal Highness" in any official capacity.

February 2022: Giuffre's civil case against Andrew settled

In February 2022, the civil case filed by Virginia Giuffre against Prince Andrew was settled for an undisclosed sum.

July 2022: Film adaptation of McAlister's memoir announced

In July 2022, it was announced that a film would be adapted from Sam McAlister's memoir Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews, which recounts her role in securing the interview with Prince Andrew.

2022: "Prince Andrew Is a Sweaty Nonce" song released

In 2022, The Kunts released a song titled "Prince Andrew Is a Sweaty Nonce," which ridiculed Andrew's statements about not sweating and being at Pizza Express Woking. The song reached No. 20 in the UK charts.

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2023: Shooting starts for the movie Scoop

In early 2023, shooting began for the film Scoop, based on Sam McAlister's memoir. The film is directed by Philip Martin and stars Gillian Anderson and Rufus Sewell.

2024: Scoop released

In 2024, the film Scoop, written by Peter Moffat and directed by Philip Martin, was released. Additionally, the television miniseries A Very Royal Scandal was released later that year.

October 2025: Andrew to cease using Duke of York title and honours

Later in October 2025, Prince Andrew announced that he would cease using his Duke of York title and honours.

November 2025: UK Government to strip Andrew of honorary military title

On 2 November 2025, the Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the UK Government, on the advice of King Charles III, was working to strip Prince Andrew of his honorary military title of Vice-Admiral of the Royal Navy.