Epstein Files Uncover 'The Duke's' Email Exchanges with Financier
Fresh documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case have been published by the US Department of Justice, revealing email conversations that appear to involve Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York. The files, which include over three million new items, shed light on communications between the royal figure and the convicted sex offender following Epstein's release from prison.
'Good to Be Free?' Email Exchange from 2010
One notable email exchange dated August 2010 shows an account labelled 'The Duke' engaging with Epstein. This correspondence occurred two years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution, for which he served 13 months in a jail work-release programme.
In the emails, Epstein initiates contact by writing: 'I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with.' The response from 'The Duke' reads: 'Of course. I am in Geneva until the morning of 22nd but would be delighted to see her. Will she be bringing a message from you? Please give her my contact details to get in touch.' The message is signed off with: 'A.'
Following a redacted email, 'The Duke' inquires: 'Great. Any other information you might know about her that might be useful to know? Like what have you told her about me and have you given her my email as well?' Epstein replies: 'She 26, russian, clevere beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email.'
The account then responds: 'That was quick! How are you? Good to be free?' Epstein answers: '(redacted)..great to be free of many things.' The exchange concludes with 'The Duke' stating: 'So many opportunities that I am frustratingly not allowed to participate in. And so many that are obvious but can’t get anyone to fire on. Must come and see you sometime soon.'
Further Communications and Social Plans
Another email from September 2010 reveals Epstein mentioning he was in London, to which 'The Duke' replies: 'I am just departing Scotland should be down by 1800. I’ll ring you when I get down if you can give me a number to ring. Alternatively we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy. A.'
Additional documents released include an exchange from August 2002 between an address named 'The Invisible Man' and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. This correspondence suggests the sender may be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as Maxwell refers to him as Andrew and mentions his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
In an email signed 'A', the sender writes: 'As the planning is getting more difficult over the bank holiday weekend here I am thinking now I might join Sarah and the kids in Sotogrande for a few days which would be very important and a good thing for the girls, rather than trek across the pond. Please will you give me permission to do so and I am conscious of the “better offer” syndrome but in this case it wouldn’t be that… I think!'
Maxwell responds on August 24, 2002: 'Andrew sweet heart – I fully understand if you want to spend time w/Sarah and the kids. I will not be remotely offended – sad not to spend time w/you and sad not to see you but at this point w/precious holidays and few days off I agree that this idea of coming to the Island looks less appealing.'
After 'The Invisible Man' confirms he will not be visiting, Maxwell sends a follow-up on August 25, 2002: 'No problem, (redacted), who is now coming and 5 other stunning red heads will all just have to play with ourselves.' The sender replies on August 27: 'Look forward to catching up with you before you disappear to some exotic place and please don’t catch anything nasty on your travels! Masses of love and thanks, A xxx'
Context and Aftermath
These documents form part of the ongoing release of the 'Epstein files' by US authorities, following previous disclosures in December that included an email from Balmoral signed 'A', requesting 'inappropriate friends'. Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges; his death was ruled a suicide.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has faced allegations, which he strenuously denies, of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager after she was trafficked by Epstein. In 2022, he paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault claim with Ms Giuffre, a woman he claims never to have met.
The Duke stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following a controversial BBC Newsnight interview. The publication of Ms Giuffre's posthumous memoir and the US government's release of Epstein documents have intensified scrutiny over his relationship with the financier. This led to King Charles III officially stripping his brother of both his HRH style and his prince title.
Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The latest email revelations add to the complex narrative surrounding the royal's associations and the broader Epstein scandal.
