Newly disclosed emails from the extensive Epstein document trove have cast serious doubt on Prince Andrew's long-standing claims about his December 2010 trip to New York. The Duke of York has consistently maintained that his visit had the sole purpose of severing ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing it as an honorable act. However, the correspondence reveals a week-long schedule filled with social engagements, elite gatherings, and late-night revelry that contradicts his public narrative.
The Contradictory Timeline
In his infamous 2019 Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew stated he traveled to New York specifically to end his friendship with Epstein, admitting he stayed at the financier's mansion but insisting there was no socializing involved. He characterized his decision to visit as honorable, though he acknowledged his judgment might have been colored by being too honorable. The newly released emails, part of the US Department of Justice's 3.5 million-document collection, paint a markedly different picture of the December 2010 visit.
Months of Planning
The documents indicate that planning for Andrew's New York stay began months in advance, with initial discussions occurring as early as April 2010. At that time, Epstein was under house arrest following his incarceration for child sexual offenses. In an email dated April 10, Andrew suggested he should visit New York soon, setting in motion arrangements that would culminate in the November 29 to December 7 trip.
Epstein's then-publicist Peggy Siegal coordinated the extensive preparations, which included attempts to book spa sessions and discussions about bringing swimwear for potential southern excursions. Andrew expressed enthusiasm in his correspondence, writing to Epstein: "Really looking forward to seeing you and spending some time with you after so long. Some interesting things to discuss and plot...."
A Packed Social Calendar
Upon arriving at JFK airport and settling into a fourth-floor room at Epstein's Manhattan mansion, Andrew immediately engaged in social activities. The two secured invitations to the exclusive Boom Boom Room, though it remains unclear whether they actually attended the high-profile venue.
Elite Encounters and Celebrity Dinners
The documents detail a rigorous schedule of elite engagements throughout the week. On December 1, Andrew and Epstein began with an 8:30 AM breakfast with American businessman Andrew Farkas, followed by a group lunch at Bill's Burgers. They were subsequently offered tickets to a Ryan Gosling film premiere.
The following evening featured an exclusive dinner party hosted by Epstein, attended by prominent figures including filmmaker Woody Allen, political strategist George Stephanopoulos, and journalist Katie Couric. While the documents name these individuals, it is crucial to note that their inclusion does not imply any wrongdoing on their part. At the time, concerns emerged about Andrew's association with Allen, who was embroiled in controversy surrounding his marriage to Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of his ex-wife Mia Farrow.
Late-Night Revelry
By December 3, Andrew and Epstein were making dinner plans with British supermodel Naomi Campbell and her then-boyfriend Vladislav Doronin. Emails suggest the group went out on December 4 and partied into the early morning hours. At 1:36 AM on December 5, Epstein received an email from an unknown sender pleading "ask Andrew to call me."
Despite their late-night activities, Andrew and Epstein were photographed together walking in Central Park later that same morning. The Prince was scheduled to return to the UK on December 7, but his departure followed yet another early morning party. At 4:03 AM that day, a female associate of Epstein's emailed his assistant stating "everyone" was "still at 71st," adding: "P Andrew is still here leaving tomorrow."
Persistent Denials and Ongoing Scrutiny
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding sex claims connected to Epstein. However, these newly revealed emails challenge his version of events, suggesting his New York visit was less about honorably ending a friendship and more about maintaining social connections with Epstein and his elite circle. The documents reveal a week filled with planned activities, celebrity encounters, and late-night parties that directly contradict Andrew's claims of a strictly business-oriented trip focused on severing ties.
The timing of these revelations adds another layer of scrutiny to Andrew's associations, coming years after his removal from royal duties and amid ongoing legal and public relations challenges related to his connections with Epstein. The detailed email correspondence provides concrete evidence of social engagement that Andrew has repeatedly denied occurred during what he described as a mission to end their relationship.
