Jeffrey Epstein blamed King Charles after Prince Andrew stepped down as the UK's trade envoy, newly released emails show. The correspondence, dated July 21, 2010, was between Epstein and Andrew's close aide David Stern. It came in response to a message from Andrew, who wrote: 'Lots of tv coverage on PA and always big feature on you. Insane.'
Andrew served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he resigned amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein. The role was unpaid, but expenses and travel costs drew criticism. Retired civil servants alleged that Andrew used taxpayers' money for massages and excessive travel, with one telling the BBC: 'I couldn't believe it... it was like it wasn't real money.'
Andrew's resignation came in the same year a photo emerged showing him with his arm around Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault. Giuffre claimed she was trafficked to Andrew by Ghislaine Maxwell and had sex with him three times. Andrew settled a civil suit with Giuffre in 2022, paying millions, while denying ever meeting her.
King Charles issued a statement after Andrew's arrest on February 19, saying: 'The law must take its course.' Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as trade envoy. He spent 11 hours in custody as searches were conducted at his homes.
Following the arrest, ministers agreed to release files related to Andrew's appointment as trade envoy but said they could not publish material needed by police until investigations are complete.
