Prince Andrew Accused of Forcing Epstein Associate onto Windsor Charity Board
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, is alleged to have "pushed through" the appointment of Jeffrey Epstein's close confidant to the board of a Windsor Castle trust in 2016, overriding opposition from other members. The controversial move involved David Stern, a German businessman who features prominently in the Epstein files and had become a close friend of Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Board Members Raised Concerns Over Stern's Background
When Andrew proposed Stern for the St George's House Trust board, several members reportedly objected due to concerns about his association with the convicted paedophile financier. "There was unhappiness about the fact that this man was being imposed upon the board by Prince Andrew, and there was the feeling that we shouldn't accept him," revealed a former board member to The Times. Despite these objections, Andrew's influence ensured Stern's appointment was "pushed through."
Documents from the Epstein files show Stern appears in at least 7,461 records and is photographed alongside Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. The 48-year-old businessman was introduced to the former Duke and Duchess of York in 2009 by Epstein himself and quickly became a trusted friend. Stern accompanied Andrew on official trade missions to China and Southeast Asia and served as a director of Andrew's Pitch@Palace startup from 2017 to 2019.
Legal Concerns and Unanswered Questions
Sir Claude Hankes, the charity's only life member, hired a law firm to investigate Stern's candidacy after suspicions were raised. A memo highlighted unanswered questions about Stern's background, including why he sought "privacy" regarding his family history. Despite these concerns, Dr Hueston Finlay, warden of the St George's House Trust, informed board members in December 2016 that Stern's nomination had been accepted. Stern remained on the board until 2022.
Epstein Files Reveal Disturbing Communications
Emails released by the US Department of Justice show Stern maintained frequent contact with Epstein. In 2014, Stern emailed Epstein a picture of champagne being poured over a naked woman as a birthday message, later adding, "PA [Prince Andrew] sends his birthday wishes and love." The correspondence also includes Stern providing Epstein with "P ratings" of women from various countries, such as describing Ukraine as having a "P factor 9/10 with extra 0.5 dirt bonus" after a 2009 trip.
Stern's Involvement in Andrew's Personal Life
Stern's role extended beyond business, involving himself in Andrew and Sarah's private affairs. In 2013, Epstein tasked Stern with organising a date for Andrew with an attractive female acquaintance visiting London. Epstein wrote, "I have a very beautiful friend coming... Andrew might want to have her for a dinner." Two years later, Stern was employed by Epstein to chaperone his Belarusian girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, during a London trip that included a visit to Buckingham Palace.
Additionally, Stern attempted to broker a deal for Sarah Ferguson to become a paid ambassador for the Cunard cruise line and acted as an intermediary in efforts to arrange a meeting between Epstein and former Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi in 2010. Stern even asked Epstein to be godfather to his child, underscoring their close relationship.
Recent Developments and Resignation
Yesterday, it was confirmed that Stern resigned from an advisory role with the University of Cambridge due to his links to Epstein. He had held a position on the Cambridge Judge Business School advisory board since 2018. This resignation follows ongoing scrutiny of Stern's associations and the broader fallout from the Epstein scandal.
About St George's House Trust
The St George's House Trust was founded in 1966 by Prince Philip and the Dean of Windsor, Robin Woods. Its mission is to bring together prominent members of society to advance moral, religious, and social understanding. Located on Denton’s Commons within the grounds of Windsor Castle, the trust forms part of the 14th-century foundations of the College of St George. Current board members include Princess Anne, Richard Collier-Keywood, chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union, and Carol Mack, chief executive of the Association of Charitable Foundations.
