Fame Under Fire: Prince Andrew and Epstein - What's the Latest?
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty

Introduction

In this episode of Fame Under Fire, BBC Sounds host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty delves into the enduring controversy surrounding Prince Andrew and his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Six years after Epstein's death, the scandal continues to cast a shadow over the British Royal Family and figures like former President Donald Trump.

Prince Andrew's Background and Public Image

Anoushka begins by providing a comprehensive overview of Prince Andrew's life and career. She introduces Andrew Loney, a royal historian and author of the new book "The Rise and Fall of the House of York", who offers an in-depth look into the Prince's complex persona.

[04:20] Andrew Loney: "Well, he's the second son of the late Queen, born in 1960, very popular during the Falklands War..."

Loney paints a picture of Prince Andrew as both a dedicated royal and a flamboyant socialite, highlighting his service in the Falklands War and his subsequent role as a trade representative for Britain.

The Epstein Connection

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Prince Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Loney challenges the public narrative that Prince Andrew had minimal contact with Epstein, presenting evidence suggesting a much closer association.

[10:41] Andrew Loney: "I met through his girlfriend back in 1999, and it would be to some extent a stretch to say that, as a were, we were close friends."

Contrary to official statements, evidence from sources like Prince Andrew's private secretary and flight logs indicate frequent interactions between the Prince and Epstein, raising questions about the nature of their relationship.

Exploring Prince Andrew's Personal Life

The conversation delves into Prince Andrew's personal history, including allegations of his first sexual experience at a young age, which Loney suggests may have been a form of sexual abuse. This revelation aims to provide context for the Prince's later behavior.

[08:25] Andrew Loney: "I thought it presented him a slightly more sympathetic light. It was a reliable source and I left it there for them to decide."

Loney emphasizes the complexity of Prince Andrew's character, portraying him as both a tragic figure and someone with troubling behavior.

Royal Family's Response and Transparency Issues

When questioned about the Palace's response to his book, Loney reveals that Buckingham Palace has chosen not to comment, stating:

[16:05] Buckingham Palace Representative: "The Duke of York is not a working member of the Royal Family. We would not speak for him, we would not comment on this matter."

Loney advocates for greater transparency within the Royal Family, suggesting that the lack of accountability undermines public trust.

[13:43] Andrew Loney: "These people are undermining the good work that's done by others, the King, the Prince, Princess Royal and others. And no one in this country should be above the law."

The Role of Legal Experts: Insights from Sean Kent

Later in the episode, criminal defense attorney Sean Kent joins the discussion to shed light on recent legal developments related to Jeffrey Epstein's case, including the decision not to release grand jury transcripts and the controversial transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security facility in Texas.

[20:06] Sean Kent: "The judge said, if I do release this and the public at all sees that there's nothing in there anymore, this could just be seen as a diversion."
[23:06] Sean Kent: "The presiding authority is an appointed cabinet position, is appointed by Donald Trump..."
[30:24] Anoushka: "It is such a weird concept that if somebody's... you could pardon them."

Kent explains the complexities of the U.S. Department of Justice's actions and the implications of presidential pardons, using Ghislaine Maxwell's case as a focal point. He underscores the potential misuse of pardons for personal or political gain, highlighting the absence of a legal precedent requiring consistency in their application.

Public Reaction and Victims' Perspectives

The episode also touches on the backlash from Epstein's victims regarding Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer, with the family's representative expressing outrage over what they perceive as preferential treatment.

[25:02] Narrator: "And they further condemned the move as having been made without any notification to Maxwell's victims."

This reaction underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and the deep-seated frustrations among victims seeking accountability.

Conclusion: Calls for Further Investigation and Accountability

As the episode wraps up, both Loney and Kent emphasize the need for thorough investigations into Prince Andrew's ties with Epstein and the broader issues of accountability within powerful institutions. They advocate for transparency and suggest that without it, public trust will continue to erode.

[15:10] Andrew Loney: "I think there is a case here for them to investigate. So, yeah, I think there are some big questions that they need to answer."

Anoushka closes by encouraging listeners to engage with the ongoing discourse, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth behind the headlines.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Loney on Prince Andrew's Early Life:

  "he was a regular at Tramp and at China White." [06:09]

• Sean Kent on Presidential Pardons:

  "Presidents use these for personal reasons... it's just the president says, I want to pardon you because you've been convicted of a federal crime." [30:32]

• Andrew Loney on Transparency:

  "In any democracy, we should be able to criticize the rich and powerful and they shouldn't just be protected just because they're rich and powerful." [16:05]

This episode of Fame Under Fire meticulously dissects the multifaceted narrative surrounding Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, offering listeners a nuanced perspective supported by expert insights and firsthand accounts. For those seeking clarity amidst the chaos of misinformation, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty provides a thorough and engaging exploration of one of the most enduring scandals of our time.