Fresh testimony delivered to U.S. lawmakers has introduced new claims about the relationship between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and individuals connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
During a closed-door congressional hearing, Sarah Kellen, a longtime former aide to Epstein, reportedly told investigators that she had been invited by the former Duke of York to visit one of his private residences in the United Kingdom.
According to accounts of the hearing, Kellen said the invitation was extended for a visit to either Royal Lodge in Windsor or Buckingham Palace.
While she did not reportedly provide extensive details regarding the alleged invitation, the claim has added another layer to ongoing scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s past association with Epstein.
Kellen Emerges as Potential Witness in Ongoing Investigations
The testimony arrives as Andrew remains under investigation by Thames Valley Police over allegations that could involve misconduct in public office and possible sex-trafficking-related matters.
Investigators have not announced any charges, but Kellen’s account may increase interest in her role as a potential witness should future proceedings develop.
Kellen, now 46, worked as Epstein’s personal assistant for more than a decade after joining his operation in 2001.
Over the years, she has frequently been identified as one of the most senior figures within Epstein’s inner circle and was previously named among potential co-conspirators connected to Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea agreement.
Despite that scrutiny, she has never been charged with a crime.
Former Aide Rejects Allegations of Complicity
During her appearance before the House Oversight Committee, Kellen strongly disputed claims that she acted as a recruiter for Epstein or served as a key accomplice in his activities.
Instead, she described herself as a victim who had been manipulated and abused by the financier.
In a prepared statement, Kellen argued that portrayals of her as Epstein’s “lieutenant” were inaccurate and misleading.
She told lawmakers that she had no meaningful authority within Epstein’s organization and claimed she was subjected to years of psychological control and sexual exploitation.
According to her testimony, Epstein exercised overwhelming influence over her life, leaving her feeling trapped and dependent.
Details of Ferguson Connection Also Raised
Kellen’s evidence reportedly extended beyond Andrew himself.
She told investigators that she may have been involved in arranging flights for Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s former wife, who had connections to Epstein in the past.
The testimony follows renewed attention on Ferguson after previously released U.S. Department of Justice records suggested she maintained contact with Epstein shortly after his release from prison in 2009.
Those documents indicated she traveled to see him only days after his release.
However, congressional sources indicate that discussion of Ferguson formed only a small part of Kellen’s overall testimony.
Claims of Grooming and Psychological Manipulation
Much of Kellen’s appearance before Congress focused on her personal experiences with Epstein.
She described how she became involved with him while working at a hotel in Hawaii after marrying at a young age.
According to her statement, she was introduced to Epstein through a co-worker and believed she was particularly vulnerable due to her age, limited support network, and uncertain future prospects.
Kellen said Epstein gradually gained control over multiple aspects of her life through grooming, manipulation, and intimidation.
She told lawmakers that Epstein repeatedly emphasized his wealth, influence, and power, creating an environment in which she feared the consequences of disobeying him or attempting to leave.
Longstanding Ties Between Andrew and Epstein Under Renewed Examination
Kellen’s years working alongside Epstein coincided with the period when Andrew maintained a close friendship with the financier.
Although Andrew has long maintained that he ended the relationship in 2010, previously released emails from U.S. authorities suggested the connection continued beyond that point.
Those disclosures contributed significantly to Andrew’s public downfall, ultimately resulting in the loss of royal duties, titles, and official privileges.
Kellen is also known to have traveled internationally aboard Epstein’s private aircraft.
Records indicate she visited the United Kingdom in 2002 following a trip to Africa that included former U.S. President Bill Clinton and actor Kevin Spacey.
It is believed she may have encountered Andrew during that visit, though the precise circumstances remain unclear.
Lawmakers Describe Testimony as Highly Significant
Following the hearing, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer praised Kellen’s cooperation, describing her testimony as among the most productive received during the committee’s investigation into Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation.
Comer said Kellen provided investigators with several previously unidentified names connected to the broader abuse network.
He characterized the information as substantial and potentially valuable to the committee’s continuing inquiry.
The congressional investigation has already gathered evidence from a range of witnesses, including victims and high-profile figures who had past interactions with Epstein.
Additional Allegations Continue to Surface
Meanwhile, British investigators have indicated that their examination of Andrew extends beyond claims involving the sharing of sensitive information with Epstein.
Recent reports suggest authorities are also reviewing allegations of sexual misconduct connected to another woman represented by U.S. attorney Brad Edwards.
The woman reportedly claims she was sent to meet Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010. Edwards has stated that she has been reluctant to cooperate with British police because of concerns about privacy.
Separately, another woman has reportedly alleged that Andrew behaved inappropriately toward her during an encounter at the 2002 edition of Royal Ascot.
Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
