Emails Reveal Andrew's Fawning Response to Epstein's Release
Freshly disclosed correspondence has exposed a jubilant Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor offering to visit Jeffrey Epstein and "pay homage to his new life" mere hours after the convicted financier was freed from house arrest. The disgraced former prince described Epstein's freedom as "really, really good news" in emails that quickly turned to discussions of multi-billion-pound deals and meetings with younger women arranged through the paedophile's assistance.
Immediate Celebrations After House Arrest Ended
Andrew appeared to send the fawning email just one day after Epstein was released from house arrest in July 2010. Epstein had been convicted two years earlier for soliciting prostitution from a child under 18 and served 18 months in jail before being placed under house arrest at his Palm Beach mansion for a year. In an email sent to Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson on July 24, 2010, Epstein announced: "I will be in Paris starting tomorrow."
Andrew, writing from an email account named "The Duke," promptly replied: "Congratulations! DS told me you were allowed out from yesterday. How long in Paris for? I am back in London from 16th. A." Epstein continued the exchange by responding: "I'm totally complete and done. Will be in Paris for a while. Then the ranch in New Mexico. There is so much opportunity here. I've had non stop all day meetings and my friends are super flush with cash, and nothing to do."
Discussions of Billion-Pound Deals and Meetings
Epstein specifically mentioned financial opportunities, stating: "Let's get moving. i.e. Leon Black is sitting with 20 billion dollars, and hungry for reals." An excited Andrew then replied: "Really, really good news. If you are in Paris around the 16th I'll be across to pay homage to your new life ahead!" He added: "And as far as things to do I have, with DS, a good brain to make things happen. Even looking at purchases from government of up to £3B each." Andrew signed the email off with "HRH The Duke of York KG."
Around two weeks later, Epstein arranged for Andrew to meet a 26-year-old Russian model. On August 11, 2010, Epstein emailed Andrew saying: "I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with …" Andrew replied the next day, "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."
Further Questions About Their Relationship
Describing the woman to Andrew, Epstein said: "She 26 russian clever (sic) beautiful trustworthy and yes she has your email." Andrew replied: "That was quick! How are you? Good to be free?" The emails uncovered are among those released by the US Department of Justice in January. They raise further questions over Andrew's friendship with Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The emails above were also exchanged just months before the infamous photo of Andrew and Epstein walking around Central Park in New York was taken in December 2010. In a Newsnight interview in 2019, Andrew claimed he visited the paedophile at his New York mansion to sever all ties. He said he regretted staying at Epstein's house while he was there and that he had "let the side down."
Recent Legal Developments and Royal Response
However, emails have proved that Andrew stayed in contact with Epstein for a longer timeframe than he had admitted. Andrew was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as trade envoy. The former prince has denied any wrongdoing.
King Charles issued an unprecedented statement confirming his "wholehearted support and co-operation" with the investigation into Andrew just hours after he was detained - with Buckingham Palace understood not to have known the former Duke of York would be arrested. The statement said: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office."
It continued: "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course." William and Kate are understood to support the King.
Days later, Peter Mandelson was arrested at his London home and taken into custody as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The former British ambassador to the US was released on bail pending further investigation.
