Epstein's 'Man in the Palace': How Andrew's Aide Maintained Close Ties Until the End
Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice have shed light on the enduring relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and David Stern, a former aide to Prince Andrew. The files suggest Stern acted as Epstein's key contact within Buckingham Palace, facilitating communications and arrangements long after the royal claimed to have severed ties.
Stern's Role as Intermediary
David Stern, who served as the director of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Pitch@Palace business, maintained a close connection with Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. Emails reveal that Stern was actively involved in assisting Epstein's associates, such as arranging for his girlfriend and a friend to visit London in 2016. Stern proposed meeting them at Green Park tube station and viewing the changing of the guard, followed by a formal lunch, demonstrating his willingness to cater to Epstein's requests.
In one email, Stern assured Epstein, "I am always on your team!!", a promise he seemingly upheld by visiting Epstein in New York shortly before his arrest and suicide in 2019. The documents indicate that Stern resigned from his role at Pitch@Palace weeks after Epstein's death, highlighting the depth of their association.
Contradictions in Andrew's Claims
Prince Andrew has publicly stated that he cut contact with Epstein in December 2010, citing a desire to be "too honourable". However, the released emails cast serious doubt on this assertion. For instance, after a photo of Andrew with Virginia Giuffre emerged in 2011, the prince emailed Epstein, writing, "Don't worry about me! It would seem we are in this together and will have to rise above it. Otherwise keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!!!"
Further correspondence shows that Epstein expressed nervousness about being seen with Andrew, yet Stern continued to act as an intermediary. In 2011, Epstein wrote to Stern regarding a potential joint flight, questioning its safety due to media scrutiny. Stern's role evolved to managing Andrew's diary and taking instructions from Epstein, such as arranging meetings with figures like Steve Sinofsky and Jes Staley.
Stern's Influence and Business Proposals
The emails reveal Stern's significant influence over Andrew's activities and his ambitions to leverage the prince's status for business ventures. In 2010, Stern discussed setting up a "small investment highly private office in London" targeting high-net-worth individuals, with Andrew's "aura and access" as a key asset. He even suggested Andrew could be a "Ghost" in such entities, indicating a clandestine operational role.
Stern also kept Epstein informed of trivial matters, such as Princess Beatrice's employment, and proposed ideas like buying Deutsche Bank with Qatari royal family alignment via Andrew, though Epstein dismissed this. The correspondence shows Stern's control extended to Andrew's international trips, with updates from locations like Tokyo and Palau as late as 2018.
Palace Awareness and Ongoing Contacts
The documents suggest that officials in Andrew's office were aware of the continued contacts with Epstein. In 2015, when the Guardian reported on abuse allegations, Stern emailed Epstein to ask if his lawyers could provide advance notice for future statements. Epstein expressed frustration over palace communications, and Stern agreed to investigate, showing ongoing coordination.
Despite Andrew's public denials, the emails indicate that Stern facilitated messages and meetings until Epstein's arrest, underscoring a persistent link that challenges the royal's narrative. Both Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and David Stern were approached for comment on these revelations.
