Activists Rename Space Near Buckingham Palace in Honor of Virginia Giuffre

London, March 3, 2026 – Activists in the United Kingdom have renamed a green space near Buckingham Palace the “Virginia Giuffre Memorial Garden,” honoring the memory of a key accuser of the late Jeffrey Epstein. Giuffre, who died in 2023 at the age of 41 [Time], alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and forced into sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Background: The Epstein-Andrew Connection

The relationship between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein has been a source of sustained controversy for years. The pair were introduced in 1999 by Ghislaine Maxwell [Wikipedia] and Epstein was a guest at events at Windsor Castle and Sandringham House. Following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution, Prince Andrew visited him in prison in 2010, a decision he later regretted [Wikipedia].

Allegations and Fallout

Virginia Giuffre publicly accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, alleging three separate incidents in the early 2000s, beginning when she was 17 years aged [Wikipedia]. Prince Andrew has consistently denied these allegations, stating he has no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre [Wikipedia]. A 2019 interview with the BBC’s Newsnight was widely criticized for its perceived lack of credibility [Wikipedia].

Recent Developments

In November 2019, Prince Andrew stepped back from public royal duties due to the mounting public backlash. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II removed his military affiliations and his leverage of the style “His Royal Highness” [Wikipedia]. More recently, in October 2025, King Charles initiated a formal process to remove Prince Andrew’s remaining titles and evicted him from the Royal Lodge [Time]. This action followed the publication of a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, detailing her allegations [Time].

New Documents Reveal Further Contact

Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice reveal that Prince Andrew invited Jeffrey Epstein to Buckingham Palace after Epstein’s release from house arrest in 2010 [The Guardian]. Email exchanges reveal Epstein suggesting a private dinner at the palace, to which Prince Andrew replied he would be available from 4 PM to 8 PM [The Guardian]. Another email thread revealed Epstein offering to introduce Andrew to a 26-year-old Russian woman [The Guardian].

The renaming of the garden reflects ongoing public sentiment regarding the allegations and the perceived lack of accountability surrounding Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein.