Ex-prince Andrew borrowed £12m from family for Epstein settlement: reports

Britain's former Prince Andrew borrowed approximately £12 million from royal family members – including the late Queen Elizabeth II, the estate of Prince Philip, and King Charles III – to settle a sexual assault lawsuit, but has yet to repay any of it, British media reported.

The 2022 out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was 17 after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, was funded collectively by senior royals, according to The Sun. The late Queen reportedly contributed about £7 million, the estate of Prince Philip provided around £3 million, and King Charles III gave approximately £1.5 million, with other family members covering the remainder.

The payments were aimed at containing the scandal's damage to the monarchy, particularly before the Queen's Platinum Jubilee that year, sources said.

Andrew, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, agreed to the US$12 million settlement to avoid a US trial. A widely circulated photograph of Andrew with his arm around Giuffre at the London home of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell has long been cited as key evidence.

The prince reportedly planned to repay his family by selling his £19 million chalet in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier. However, the sale has not materialized and the mortgage on the property means any proceeds would be limited.

Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at age 41.

The release of additional Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice on January 30 has renewed scrutiny of Andrew's associations. Reports also suggest he has moved from his Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, and faces further questions over alleged contacts with Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy, including possible disclosure of sensitive information. British police are reviewing the matter.