Let us start here:
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has faced intense scrutiny over his association with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Despite his repeated claims of having severed ties with Epstein in 2010, newly disclosed emails suggest that their contact continued into 2011.
Continued Contact Post-2010
Court documents filed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), in relation to an appeal by former Barclays CEO Jes Staley, reveal that Epstein and Prince Andrew remained in communication for longer than previously admitted. The FCA is defending its decision to ban Staley from the financial industry for allegedly misleading regulators regarding his ties to Epstein.
These documents include an exchange of messages between Epstein and a “member of the British Royal Family,” believed to be Prince Andrew. Despite Andrew’s assertion that he cut contact with Epstein after their widely publicised meeting in New York’s Central Park in December 2010, an email from 27 February 2011 contradicts this claim. In this email, Andrew wrote to Epstein, “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!!!!”
This email raises questions about Andrew’s true level of involvement with Epstein after the financier’s conviction. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Following his release, his association with high-profile individuals, including Andrew, remained a matter of concern.
Newsnight Interview and Contradictions
In a 2019 interview with Newsnight, Prince Andrew defended his 2010 meeting with Epstein, claiming he travelled to New York to end their friendship in person. He described this as the “honourable” course of action. However, the newly surfaced emails indicate that their relationship persisted beyond that point.
The Jes Staley Emails
Further details from the court filings reveal that Epstein invited Andrew to meet Jes Staley on 27 February 2011, writing: “jes staley will be in London on next tue afternoon, if you have time [sic].” Andrew responded by asking: “Jes is coming on 1st March or next week?” This exchange shows continued correspondence between the prince and Epstein, directly contradicting Andrew’s previous statements.
Legal and Public Fallout
Prince Andrew has come under significant public and legal scrutiny due to his ties with Epstein. In 2022, he reached a multi-million-pound settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault, alleging that she was trafficked by Epstein and forced into sexual encounters with Andrew. The prince has denied these allegations and settled the case without admitting liability.
Following the scandal, Andrew stepped down from royal duties and has since led a largely private life. He has continued to deny all allegations against him.
The new revelations from the FCA filings add another layer of controversy to the prince’s already contentious association with Epstein, further undermining his credibility and previous assertions about their relationship.
