Fresh allegations heard by US lawmakers have drawn renewed attention to the long-running fallout from Jeffrey Epstein’s network, after a former close aide claimed she was personally invited to meet Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at one of his private residences.
The claims were made during a closed-door congressional interview as part of an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s abuse network.
Claim of Private Invitation to Royal Residences
Sarah Kellen, once a key figure in Epstein’s inner circle, told US officials that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor extended an invitation for her to visit him in an intimate domestic setting.
According to her testimony, the meeting could have taken place at either Royal Lodge in Windsor or Buckingham Palace.
The allegations, if substantiated, could place Kellen at the center of any future inquiries involving the former royal, who is already under scrutiny in the UK over suspected misconduct in public office and alleged links to sex trafficking concerns.
A Witness With Deep Ties to Epstein’s Operation
Kellen, now 46, worked closely with Epstein for more than a decade beginning in 2001.
She has previously been described by investigators and reporting as one of his most trusted aides, alongside Ghislaine Maxwell, and was allegedly involved in recruiting young women into his orbit.
She was also named in connection with Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal, though she has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Defense of Her Role and Claims of Abuse
During her congressional testimony, Kellen rejected characterizations of her as a key accomplice in Epstein’s crimes.
Instead, she described herself as a victim, alleging she was “sexually and psychologically abused” and manipulated throughout her time working for the disgraced financier.
She told lawmakers she had been “groomed” and controlled to the point where she could no longer distinguish her own decisions from Epstein’s influence.
Kellen said she had no real autonomy, claiming she lived under constant psychological pressure and fear of retaliation.
Questions Over Alleged Links to Andrew and Ferguson
Beyond her claims of abuse, Kellen’s testimony reportedly touched on her interactions with Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has previously faced scrutiny over her financial associations with Epstein.
She also suggested she could have arranged travel logistics for Ferguson during the period of Epstein’s international operations, though details were not fully explored during the hearing.
Legal and Investigative Pressure Intensifies
The revelations come as Thames Valley Police continue investigating allegations connected to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, including possible misconduct in public office and wider claims linked to Epstein’s trafficking network.
US congressional investigators have also suggested that Kellen may prove to be a significant witness in future proceedings, particularly after she reportedly provided multiple new names linked to Epstein’s activities.
Broader Congressional Probe Expands
The closed-door hearing is part of a wider inquiry by the US House Oversight Committee into Epstein’s operations and network of associates.
Officials have already heard from a range of witnesses, including survivors of abuse and high-profile figures with past contact with Epstein.
Committee chair James Comer said Kellen’s testimony was notably detailed compared to previous interviews, adding that she provided “new names” relevant to the investigation.
Disputed Narrative and Ongoing Denials
Kellen has strongly denied ever acting as a recruiter or “lieutenant” for Epstein, calling such claims a distortion of her role.
She maintains she was trapped in an abusive environment and lacked any real power within his organization.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, while investigations in both the US and UK continue to examine the extent of Epstein’s network and its connections to prominent individuals.
Continuing Fallout From Epstein’s Legacy
Epstein’s 2019 death while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges continues to cast a long shadow over institutions and individuals linked to him.
The latest testimony adds another layer of complexity to an already sprawling international investigation, with lawmakers indicating that further hearings and disclosures are expected.
