Prince Andrew could face 'day of reckoning' as US orders release of court documents

Prince Andrew could face his "day of reckoning" as the US has ordered the release of important court documents.

The Duke of York's friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been brought to light again with the upcoming release of court papers in the US.

Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, has ordered that documents related to a 2006 investigation into Epstein's sexual abuse be made public.

At the time, this Grand Jury inquiry resulted in a controversial "sweetheart deal", where Epstein pleaded guilty to two prostitution charges in return for a soft 18-month sentence.

Prince Andrew

This was despite the police having identified many more victims.

Two of Epstein's accusers previously alleged that Prince Andrew, as well as other high-profile celebrities, "lobbied" the US Government for the lenient plea deal.

However, sources close to the duke previously refuted these allegations, calling them "a straightforward untruth".

On Saturday, a woman abused by Epstein claimed Prince Andrew could face a "day of reckoning" when the documents are released in July, according to The Daily Mirror.

Prince Andrew

She added: "What more must it take for him to realise his friendship with Jeffrey will never go away?"

But a legal source told The Daily Mail it was "highly unlikely" Andrew's name would be in the documents.

The Duke of York, 64, has made frequent appearances with the Royal Family in recent months.

He walked beside his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, into St George's Chapel last week for the memorial service of the last King of Greece, Constantine.

Prince Andrew

The former couple divorced in 1996, but continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

They share two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and also have four grandchildren together.

Sarah, Beatrice and Eugenie have constantly stood by the Duke of York.

The father-of-two stepped down from royal duties five years ago after his Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis.

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Prince Andrew

During the interview, Prince Andrew publicly discussed his friendship with Epstein.

Three years later, Queen Elizabeth II stripped Prince Andrew of his military titles and patronages.

Under the reign of King Charles III, Andrew has made sporadic public appearances, including at the Coronation.

He also attended the Sandringham walkabout on Christmas Day alongside Fergie, the latter having not been present at the occasion since 1991.