'Buckingham Palace protected and knew about Andrew,' claims Epstein victim

Following yesterday's revelations the Palace received emails six years ago that appear to show that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential information while trade envoy, she has claimed the institution has protected the former prince.

Emails allegedly showing Andrew's contentious financial activities were delivered to the Lord Chamberlain, the Royal Household's most senior official, as part of an archive of 30,000 emails in 2020.

It is not known what happened to the emails shared with the Palace.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Michaels said: "Six years ago, the Palace knew Andrew wasn't just a problem, he could face a criminal investigation. And they sat on it."

Ms Michaels, who was a professional dancer in New York when she was assaulted, argued the Palace's failure to investigate allegations against Mr Mountbatten-Windsor reflected a broader failure to support victims, including Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year.

"Protecting him meant doubting her," she said. "Virginia Roberts Giuffre was telling the truth, and she didn't live to see them admit it. That breaks my heart and it should break everyone's.

"This is what institutions do. They protect powerful men and leave the people they harmed to carry it."

Thames Valley Police announced last week they were assessing possible sexual offences as part of the investigation into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s alleged misconduct in public office, after his arrest in February.

Andrew has consistently and strongly denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein or any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.

The force is understood to be assessing reports a woman was allegedly taken to an address in Windsor in 2010.

She claims she spent a night with Andrew at Royal Lodge in Windsor before receiving tea and a tour of Buckingham Palace the following day.

The BBC had reported the woman was allegedly sent to Britain by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.

Specialist detectives are believed to have told the woman's attorney they will speak to her to assess her claim if and when she feels ready.

She became the second individual to make allegations against the former prince following Ms Giuffre, one of Epstein's most vocal alleged victims, and the first to implicate a royal residence.

However, the woman's lawyer confirmed earlier this week that she is refusing to speak with authorities because she lacks confidence and fears additional intrusion into her private life.

Brad Edwards, who acts for hundreds of Epstein victims, told the BBC he represents "multiple" clients allegedly holding information regarding Andrew, none of whom intend to engage with British authorities.

Ms Michaels welcomed the police inquiry, despite criticising the delayed approach: "I'm glad the UK is finally investigating. A little late, but it's the very least they could do.

"Meanwhile, our own Government named us as victims, shields the men who harmed us and still treats us like the problem."

The latest revelations have prompted renewed calls for scrutiny of the Royal Household.

York Central MP Rachael Maskell called for a public inquiry after it emerged the email archive had been shared with Buckingham Palace, telling the BBC "the system built around the Royal Household has to be reviewed".

Ailsa Anderson, meanwhile, who served as press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II, described the revelations as "absolutely horrendous" and "another nail in the coffin".

Yesterday, the Palace said: "Since there is an ongoing police enquiry concerning Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, it is not possible to provide any comment on these matters."

Buckingham Palace has been approached by GB News for further comment.

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