The posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir, "Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice," has cast a renewed and intense spotlight on Prince Andrew, reigniting the scandal surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and prompting fresh scrutiny of the British royal family. Released in October 2025, Giuffre's detailed account, completed before her death by suicide in April of the same year, chronicles her harrowing experiences of alleged sex trafficking and forced sexual encounters, including those she claims involved the Duke of York. The book’s arrival has thrust a deeply uncomfortable narrative back into public consciousness, demanding renewed accountability from Prince Andrew and posing significant challenges for an institution still attempting to distance itself from the fallout.
A Haunting Narrative From Beyond the Grave
Giuffre's "Nobody's Girl," co-written with Amy Wallace, expands upon allegations she first made public years ago, detailing how she was allegedly trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell from a young age. The memoir explicitly describes three alleged sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, which Giuffre states occurred when she was 17 and therefore a minor under US law. These alleged incidents reportedly took place in London, New York, and on Epstein’s private island in the US Virgin Islands.
Giuffre's account suggests that Prince Andrew viewed these encounters with a sense of entitlement, as if sexual access to her was his "birthright." She further alleges that one of these encounters involved an "orgy" with Epstein and approximately eight other young girls who appeared to be under the age of 18 and did not speak much English. The memoir describes Giuffre's initial recruitment by Maxwell while working at Mar-a-Lago, a pivotal moment that allegedly drew her into Epstein's circle. The book provides what is described as an "intimate, disturbing, and heartbreaking" narrative of her time with Epstein and Maxwell, from his Palm Beach mansion to his private island and jets.
Renewed Scrutiny on Prince Andrew's Conduct
Despite Prince Andrew's consistent denials of any wrongdoing and his 2022 out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in her civil sexual assault lawsuit, the memoir's release has intensified the existing pressure on him. The settlement, rumored to be in the millions of pounds, did not include an admission of guilt, but Andrew did acknowledge Giuffre's suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. Giuffre's memoir, however, brings forward fresh allegations concerning Andrew's conduct during the legal proceedings. She states that Andrew's team allegedly attempted to hire "internet trolls" to harass her and that he sought to avoid being served court papers by hiding behind the "well-guarded gates" of Balmoral Castle.
The book also revisits Andrew's infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, where he attempted to clear his name but faced widespread criticism for his lack of empathy and his explanations, including his claim of being at a Pizza Express in Woking at the time of one of the alleged encounters. Giuffre's memoir reveals that her legal team considered subpoenaing Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to verify his alibi, highlighting the potential for the scandal to ripple further into the royal family. Just prior to the memoir's publication, Prince Andrew announced he would no longer use his Duke of York title, though he technically retains it, underscoring the ongoing efforts to manage his public image.
Broader Implications for the Monarchy
The timing of "Nobody's Girl" has reignited a scandal that has long plagued the British royals, drawing significant scrutiny to Buckingham Palace and the wider monarchy. Royal sources acknowledge that each new claim against Prince Andrew heaps further pressure on the institution. There have been increasing calls from Members of Parliament and anti-monarchy campaigners for Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom and even his royal residence, the 30-room Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle.
King Charles III and other senior royals, including Prince William, have reportedly been involved in discussions regarding Andrew's future and the need to control the damage to the monarchy's reputation. The scandal poses a stark contrast to the work undertaken by other royals, such as Queen Camilla's advocacy against domestic violence and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's focus on sexual violence against women, making Andrew's continued association a challenging narrative for the institution. While Andrew has voluntarily relinquished the use of his titles, the debate continues over whether he has faced adequate consequences, particularly given his continued residence in a lavish royal property.
A Legacy of Accountability
Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir serves as a powerful and enduring testament to her experiences, ensuring her allegations remain a significant force in public discourse. Although the book may not introduce entirely new information for those closely following the Epstein saga, its comprehensive narrative and Giuffre's own voice amplify the pressure for accountability. The memoir solidifies the human cost of the events it describes and challenges the ability of institutions to simply move past such controversies. For Prince Andrew and the British monarchy, "Nobody's Girl" guarantees that the uncomfortable questions surrounding his past will continue to reverberate, demanding a deeper reckoning with the implications of his actions and associations.
