Newly disclosed emails from the Jeffrey Epstein files appear to reveal that the disgraced financier directly requested Prince Andrew's assistance in arranging a meeting with the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The correspondence, dating from autumn 2010, forms part of the latest document release by the US Department of Justice and has sparked fresh scrutiny of the Duke of York's connections.
Epstein's Direct Request for Libyan Introduction
The electronic messages show Epstein contacting royal aide David Stern with a clear request regarding Tripoli. In one email, Epstein writes: "i want to go to tripoli lets organize with pa" - with "pa" understood to refer to Prince Andrew. This initial communication establishes the financier's intent to visit the Libyan capital with royal assistance.
Financial Motives Behind the Proposed Meeting
Further correspondence reveals Epstein's specific interest in Gaddafi's financial affairs. In another message to Stern, Epstein elaborates: "people that have seen the father, have asked me if i want to meet him as he does not know where to put his money as opposed to what to do with it, currencies etc, I wondered if Pa should make the intro instead." Channel 4 News, which first uncovered these emails, reported that "the father" refers specifically to Muammar Gaddafi, distinguishing him from his son Saif.
Prince Andrew's Apparent Involvement
The email trail suggests Stern then consulted Prince Andrew about Epstein's request. In a reply dated October 8, 2010, Stern writes: "He is thinking about the best approach and will discuss with me when I see him next on 17th Oct in Hong Kong (he is leaving today for Asia)." This timing coincides with the former Duke of York's official visit to China during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy.
Direct Communication from "The Duke"
Later correspondence appears to show direct communication from Prince Andrew to Epstein regarding the Libyan matter. An email from "The Duke," signed simply "A," states: "I will call you later this evening after I have had my chat with my Libyan contact to see what we can arrange for you in Tripoli." This suggests active facilitation efforts by the royal.
On the same day, November 4, 2010, a follow-up message from "A" to Epstein declares: "Libya fixed. Call me whenever." This brief communication implies that arrangements had been successfully made for Epstein's proposed meeting with Gaddafi.
Context of Ongoing Investigations
These revelations emerge as Thames Valley Police confirmed on Wednesday that they have held discussions with Crown Prosecution Service specialists regarding allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential reports from his trade envoy role with Epstein. The potential misuse of official documents adds another layer to the ongoing investigations surrounding the Duke's associations.
Meeting Apparently Never Materialized
Despite the apparent arrangements made through royal channels, Channel 4 News reported that the planned meeting between Epstein and Gaddafi never actually took place. Epstein did not ultimately travel to Tripoli, leaving the purpose and potential outcomes of the proposed encounter unresolved.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continues to deny any wrongdoing regarding his relationship with Epstein. Press Association has contacted the Duke's representatives for comment on these latest email revelations, which provide new insight into the extent of Epstein's attempts to leverage royal connections for international access.
