FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The arrest of former British Prince Andrew sheds light on the connections of several members of the high aristocracy to the American financier convicted of sex crimes...
The humiliation could get even worse than it already is: Of course, photographers were on the scene when the police arrested the former Prince Andrew. They even chose the morning of his 66th birthday to carry out the arrest. Now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor must defend himself against charges of abuse of office.
The question arises as to what is happening in the royal palaces. It is not just about Andrew, about whom the disturbing photo continues to circulate in which he appears smiling at one of Epstein's residences, leaning over a young woman.
His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, had described Epstein as “the brother I always wished I had.” Meanwhile, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit had flirted with him via email: “Paris is good for adultery, Scandinavians make better wives.”
It is surprising how many representatives of the European high aristocracy appear in the so-called “Epstein Files.” In addition to the names mentioned, the files also include Swedish Princess Sofia, Belgian Prince Laurent, and Danish King Frederik, when he was still crown prince.
The presence of a name in these acts does not constitute proof that the person was involved in Epstein's network of abuse, Swiss media wrote .
Andrew's violations also do not allow for conclusions to be drawn about other figures. The royal families of Sweden, Belgium and Denmark have all assured that they had no contact with Epstein, or only passing contact.
The situation is different for Andrew, Sarah Ferguson and Mette-Marit, for whom there is extensive documentation. The friendship with Epstein continued even after he was convicted in 2008 of encouraging prostitution of minors; in some cases, the relationships began right after this conviction.
Royal families opened their doors to Epstein
Why would an American investment banker be interested in royal houses? One clue is provided by statements from Prince Laurent of Belgium. According to him, Epstein had shown great interest in approaching the then royal couple Albert and Paola, “to introduce them to his billionaire friends.” Laurent stated that he had firmly refused and told Epstein: “My parents are not for sale.”
It was about influence and pomp. Devout republicans may regard the high aristocracy as expensive decor in nostalgic democracies. However, the example of Great Britain shows that a royal house can also have economic value.
It looks after the country's image and attracts tourists. The value of this attractive force is estimated at around 1.8 billion Swiss francs, twelve times more than the annual cost of the monarchy.
Members of the royal family also serve as door openers. They travel abroad with economic delegations and promote investments and exports. A prince who visits a business or a country increases the weight of contacts. There is even an accusation against Andrew that he gave Epstein sensitive data about banks and investment opportunities in several countries. On this basis, an accusation of abuse of office is raised.
"Prince Andrew believed having sex with me was his birthright"
But what did the high aristocracy want from Jeffrey Epstein? For centuries, monarchs have gathered around them influential men to secure the throne. Today, a parliament can declare the end of any European monarchy.
Members of royal families appear in public with humility. Epstein, however, offered them the opportunity, away from the public eye, to live out their inherited privilege: vacations on private islands or the fulfillment of desires they might consider their rights.
Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein's sex trafficking ring, accused Andrew of raping her multiple times, including when she was a minor. In April 2025, she took her own life. In her memoir, she wrote: "Prince Andrew believed that having sex with me was his birthright." The sentence evokes an era when Henry VIII ordered the execution of women who did not bear him a son, or when his daughter Elizabeth, later queen, faced sexual harassment by her stepfather. Such was the time.
The royal houses' most precious asset at risk
In many royal palaces, the latest developments have raised alarm bells. Mette-Marit has distanced herself from Epstein, while King Charles said on Thursday that he fully supports the authorities and has followed the news "with the deepest concern."
The most valuable asset of royal families is their reputation. For centuries, it was little at risk, because the capital of the monarchy lay in its mystery. Today, palaces are under the strong light of public opinion. Their inhabitants must be both magnificent and close to the citizens. Kate in London wears dresses from Zara, former Queen Margrethe in Copenhagen smokes openly. Yet they continue to travel in golden carriages. The public likes this; the everyday life belongs to the citizens themselves.
But aristocracy brings obligations. One does not ascend to the palaces through merit, but through birth and marriage. Monarchies are also financed by taxes from citizens. Whoever seeks privileges with the approval of the people must prove that he deserves them. In the case of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, every element of mystery has disappeared. /Adapted Pamphlet /
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