Prince Andrew Accepted King's Speech DVDs at Epstein Dinner Despite Claims
Newly released documents from the extensive Jeffrey Epstein files have revealed that Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor accepted two copies of the film The King's Speech from a Hollywood publicist during a dinner at Epstein's New York residence in December 2010. This revelation directly contradicts Andrew's previous assertions that his visit to New York was solely to end his friendship with the convicted sex offender.
Contradictory Accounts of the 2010 Meeting
In his widely criticised 2019 Newsnight interview, Andrew claimed his trip to New York was intended to sever ties with Epstein, who had been convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. The Duke of York stated he had no further contact with Epstein after that meeting. However, the newly publicised emails paint a different picture of social engagement and gift-giving.
The documents detail what was described as a "very last-minute casual dinner" organised specifically for Andrew. Among the reported invitees were filmmaker Woody Allen, his wife Soon-Yi Previn, and journalist Katie Couric. The gathering appears to have been a coordinated social event rather than a brief termination of relations.
Hollywood Publicist's Revealing Correspondence
Hollywood publicist Peggy Siegal recounted aspects of the evening in an email sent to Epstein on December 3, 2010. In her message, she wrote: "The evening was sensational... Did you have fun? I did leave him two copies of 'The King's Speech' (one for back-up) and begged him to let me watch him watch the film."
Siegal expressed significant concern about movie mogul Harvey Weinstein discovering she had lent the DVDs to Andrew. The Weinstein Company produced the award-winning film about Andrew's grandfather, King George VI. "I must get them both back. Harvey will kill me if he finds out I lent them to him," she wrote, adding instructions for Andrew to claim he saw the film in a New York theatre instead.
Planned Private Screening Arrangements
A separate email from November 2010, sent from an account on behalf of Siegal and forwarded to Epstein, outlined plans for a private screening of The King's Speech for Andrew during his visit to the United States. The message detailed available dates and noted that Colin Firth, who portrayed Andrew's grandfather in the film, was expected to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.
The correspondence stated: "We will get a print of The King's Speech from Harvey Weinstein and have you host a very private, small, no press screening for Prince Andrew." This planned screening further contradicts Andrew's portrayal of the visit as merely a relationship-ending encounter.
Broader Context of Andrew's Epstein Associations
Andrew's connections to Epstein have generated substantial controversy and legal consequences. During his Newsnight interview, when challenged about staying at the home of a convicted sex offender, Andrew acknowledged: "With the benefit of all the hindsight that one can have, it was definitely the wrong thing to do."
The Duke has faced allegations, which he strenuously denies, that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager trafficked by Epstein. In 2022, Andrew paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault claim with Giuffre, a woman he claims never to have met.
Royal Consequences and Ongoing Scrutiny
Andrew stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following the disastrous Newsnight interview. However, continued scrutiny, including the publication of Giuffre's posthumous memoir and the US government's release of documents from Epstein's estate, has maintained pressure on the royal family.
This ultimately led King Charles III to officially strip his brother of both his HRH style and his prince title. The newly released documents provide further evidence of Andrew's ongoing social engagement with Epstein long after the financier's conviction, raising additional questions about the Duke's account of their relationship timeline.
Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though conspiracy theories continue to circulate regarding the circumstances.
