Andrew's Aide Advised Epstein to Hide Conviction for China Visa, Files Reveal
An aide to Prince Andrew, David Stern, advised the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein to illegally conceal his child sexual abuse conviction when applying for a visa to China, according to the latest release of Epstein documents. The files, disclosed by the US Department of Justice, show Stern's involvement in a 2012 email chain where he suggested Epstein avoid mentioning prior visa denials or criminal charges on the application form.
Details of the Visa Advice
Stern, a close associate of both Epstein and the then Prince Andrew, was consulted after Epstein's initial visa application was rejected. In the email exchange, Stern recommended that Epstein's assistant submit the application at the Chinese embassy in Paris. He explicitly advised, "in addition it will be better not to tick the boxes re being denied previously or criminal charges." Stern added that the decision should ultimately be Epstein's, stating, "Whether or not to do this should be J's decision of course and not mine."
Epstein had received an 18-month jail sentence in the United States in 2008 after pleading guilty to soliciting girls as young as 14. There is no indication that Prince Andrew was aware of Stern's advice, and it appears Epstein did not proceed with the planned visit to Beijing following this correspondence.
Stern's Role and Business Proposals
David Stern, 48, served as a fixer for Prince Andrew from around 2010 and was a director of his Pitch@Palace business initiative between 2016 and 2019. He also maintained a close relationship with Epstein, whom he described as his mentor. The released documents reveal that Stern had previously proposed establishing an investment office in Beijing for "high net worth individuals," suggesting they "very discreetly make PA part of it and use his 'aura and access'." PA is an abbreviation used in the correspondence to refer to Prince Andrew.
In a 2012 email, Stern outlined two options for a business venture in Asia: creating a new company called the Serpentine group or using his existing firm, Asia Gateway. Epstein responded by selecting Asia Gateway, and Stern confirmed that Prince Andrew agreed with the decision. Stern's letter to Prince Andrew described Asia Gateway as an advisory firm based in South Kensington, focusing on projects connected to the United Kingdom and aiming to attract Chinese investors.
Police Investigations and Allegations
Thames Valley police are currently examining material from the Epstein files in relation to allegations of "misconduct in public office" involving Prince Andrew. The former prince is accused of leaking confidential information to Epstein, including official reports from trade envoy trips to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in 2010 and 2011. Trade envoys are bound by a duty of confidentiality, and police are assessing whether a full criminal investigation is warranted.
Additionally, Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the US, faces a separate investigation for the same alleged offence, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Both Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson have denied any wrongdoing. Stern and Prince Andrew have been approached for comment regarding the latest revelations.
The release of these documents underscores ongoing scrutiny into the connections between high-profile figures and Jeffrey Epstein, with implications for legal and political accountability in the UK.
