In 2022, Prince Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein’s trafficking, who had accused him of sexually assaulting her at the age of 17 after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied these allegations, and the settlement did not include any admission of guilt or wrongdoing.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Charles ascended the throne and has since aimed to distance the monarchy from the scandal while maintaining a private relationship with his brother. As part of safeguarding the royal family’s reputation, the King removed Andrew’s use of Buckingham Palace as an office, ceased his annual public allowance, and confirmed that the duke would not resume official royal duties.
Despite these actions, Charles is believed to remain personally concerned about Andrew’s well-being. Royal analysts have informed Radar that the King has managed to separate familial loyalty from public duty, continuing to offer private support to Andrew, who faces intensified scrutiny and growing isolation due to the Epstein scandal.
A royal insider suggested, “The Balmoral invitation, if it is forthcoming, would embody the balance and compassion Charles prefers within the family, while tactfully maintaining Andrew’s exclusion from public royal functions.”
