Claim: Queen Elizabeth lent Prince Andrew £7 million for Epstein settlement

According to a report published in the British press, Prince Andrew sought financial assistance from members of the Royal Family while arranging a settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of having a relationship with her when she was underage. The claim has renewed attention on the royal family’s handling of the Epstein scandal.

The report alleges that Prince Andrew agreed in 2022 to pay approximately £12 million to settle the civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre in the United States. It is claimed that £7 million of this amount was provided as a loan by Queen Elizabeth, while additional funds were reportedly sourced from other family assets, including estates linked to Prince Philip and support from then-Prince Charles.

Sources cited in the report stated that the money was intended to prevent a prolonged legal battle and further public scrutiny. The same sources also alleged that Prince Andrew had not fully disclosed the extent of his association with Jeffrey Epstein to members of his own family.

It was further reported that the loan has not yet been fully repaid and that Prince Andrew explored selling property, including a chalet in Switzerland, to cover part of the debt, though the sale reportedly did not meet the full amount owed.

Prince Andrew has consistently denied the allegations made by Giuffre but stepped back from royal duties and relinquished military titles and royal patronages following the controversy. His links to Epstein have been referenced in documents released by U.S. authorities, which renewed public debate about the case.