London – New details are emerging regarding the conduct of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, including allegations of a private, nude massage session within Buckingham Palace, reportedly paid for with funds from the royal household. The claims, initially reported by the Daily Mail, add another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Prince’s associations and financial dealings, particularly his long-standing relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The allegations center around a massage provided by Monique Giannelloni, a South African massage therapist, in June 2000. According to Giannelloni’s account, she was introduced to Prince Andrew through Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, and granted access to the palace without undergoing standard security checks. This incident occurred several months before Andrew assumed the role of the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment in 2001, a position he held until 2011 when he was forced to step down due to the controversy surrounding his ties to Epstein. The unfolding situation raises questions about the use of royal funds and the security protocols within Buckingham Palace during that period.
The revelations come at a sensitive time for the British monarchy, already navigating public perception challenges in the wake of numerous scandals. Prince Andrew has faced intense criticism and legal battles related to allegations of sexual assault, which he vehemently denies. He settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre in February 2022, though he continues to maintain his innocence. This latest development is likely to further fuel public debate and scrutiny of the royal family’s conduct and financial transparency.
Details of the Alleged Massage Session
Monique Giannelloni claims that she received a payment of £75 (approximately $95 USD as of February 27, 2026) for the massage, which was reportedly paid directly from a Coutts bank account belonging to the royal household. According to Giannelloni, upon entering Andrew’s bedroom, the Prince emerged from the bathroom completely nude and proceeded to lie down on the massage table. She described feeling uncomfortable with the situation but stated that the massage itself was uneventful, and the Prince was “very pleasant and gentlemanly.”
Giannelloni recounted to the Daily Mail that she was initially hesitant about the arrangement, but Maxwell assured her it was a legitimate request. She also mentioned a prior encounter with Epstein, where he discussed plans to purchase an island for approximately £20 million. As reported by 15min.lt, Giannelloni stated that Maxwell hinted she would be introduced to “someone more famous than God,” leading to a call from Andrew’s staff to arrange the palace visit.
Concerns Over Financial Transparency
The revelation that royal funds were used to pay for the massage has sparked concerns about financial transparency and accountability within the royal household. According to Lithuanian news outlet lrytas.lt, the check for the payment was reportedly signed by Charlotte Manley, Andrew’s then-personal assistant. Former civil servants have suggested that expenses related to massages and lavish travel during Andrew’s tenure as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment may have been covered by taxpayer money, contradicting previous statements from Buckingham Palace that he personally funded all private expenses.
Prince Andrew, often nicknamed “Air Miles Andy” due to his frequent travel, has previously denied any wrongdoing related to his connections with Epstein. Yet, the latest allegations add to a growing body of evidence that raises questions about his judgment and financial practices. The use of royal funds for a private massage, particularly given the circumstances, is likely to intensify calls for greater scrutiny of the royal family’s finances.
Giannelloni’s Account and Maxwell’s Role
Monique Giannelloni’s account provides a detailed glimpse into the events of that day in June 2000. She described a lack of security protocols and a surprisingly easy access to Prince Andrew’s private chambers. Her recollection of the Prince being nude upon her arrival has drawn significant attention and fueled the controversy. Giannelloni has stated that she has no ill will towards Prince Andrew and that the massage itself was professional and uneventful.
The role of Ghislaine Maxwell in facilitating the meeting is particularly concerning, given her subsequent conviction for child sex trafficking. Maxwell’s involvement suggests a pattern of behavior and raises questions about the extent of her influence within royal circles. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her crimes, and her association with Prince Andrew has been a source of ongoing controversy.
Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The allegations surrounding Prince Andrew and the massage session are likely to have significant repercussions for the royal family. Public trust in the monarchy is already fragile, and this latest scandal could further erode confidence in the institution. The incident is also likely to prompt further investigations into Prince Andrew’s financial dealings and his relationships with individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
While Buckingham Palace has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the specific allegations, the situation is being closely monitored by the media and the public. The palace has previously defended Prince Andrew’s actions and denied any wrongdoing, but the new evidence presented by Giannelloni may force a reassessment of its position. The ongoing scrutiny is likely to continue until a full and transparent investigation is conducted.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Andrew is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations of a private, nude massage session at Buckingham Palace.
- The massage was reportedly paid for with funds from the royal household, raising concerns about financial transparency.
- Ghislaine Maxwell allegedly facilitated the meeting between Prince Andrew and the massage therapist, Monique Giannelloni.
- The allegations come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein and his past legal battles.
- The incident is likely to further damage public trust in the British monarchy and prompt calls for greater accountability.
The situation remains fluid, and further details are expected to emerge as investigations continue. The next significant development is anticipated to be a response from Buckingham Palace, potentially followed by further questioning of individuals involved. We will continue to provide updates as this story unfolds. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.