A recent royal biography is being quietly edited after controversy over one particular allegation.
Andrew Lownie’s book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York originally included a claim that Jeffrey Epstein introduced Donald Trump to Melania. Around 60,000 printed copies carried that passage, but it will no longer appear in future editions. HarperCollins confirmed that several passages had been removed in consultation with the author. The ebook and audiobook versions have already been updated.
The decision comes after Melania Trump pushed back strongly against similar allegations. Her lawyers had previously written to Hunter Biden, accusing him of spreading false and defamatory claims and demanding an apology under threat of a $1 billion lawsuit.
In Entitled, Lownie had quoted allegations supposedly made by Epstein in 2007. The book, published in the UK on August 14, covers Prince Andrew’s military record, his business dealings, and his ties to Epstein. Lownie argued that Andrew knew Epstein long before he admitted publicly and described the Duke of York as a “useful idiot” who provided Epstein with legitimacy and connections.
Donald Trump dismissed the claim about Melania’s introduction, saying, “Jeffrey Epstein had nothing to do with Melania and introducing.” He insisted he could recall exactly how they met, but it was through someone else entirely.
Melania herself described the first meeting in her 2024 memoir Melania. She wrote that it happened at a Fashion Week party at New York’s Kit Kat Klub in 1998. A friend waved over Donald Trump, who introduced himself at her table. She recalled that he made her feel like the center of his attention and that she was drawn to his charm and confidence.
This revision to the book highlights how sensitive and legally risky it can be to repeat unverified claims, especially when they involve high-profile figures.
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