Newly disclosed correspondence from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein appears to validate the controversial photograph showing Prince Andrew with his accuser Virginia Giuffre, while suggesting Buckingham Palace would welcome evidence disproving her allegations.
Email Evidence Emerges
In documents released by the US House Oversight Committee, Epstein communicated with a journalist in 2011 about the ongoing scandal surrounding Prince Andrew. The disgraced financier seemingly acknowledged the authenticity of the now-infamous image showing the then-Duke of York with Ms Giuffre and his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Epstein explicitly stated in his email: "Yes she was on my plane, and yes she had her picture taken with Andrew, as many of my employees have." This admission directly contradicts Prince Andrew's long-standing doubts about the photograph's legitimacy.
Palace Position Revealed
The released correspondence further indicates Epstein believed Buckingham Palace would "love it" if Ms Giuffre could be "proven to be a liar." In his detailed message, Epstein urged journalists to investigate Ms Giuffre's background, claiming she had "fled the country with an outstanding arrest warrant" and describing her allegations as "total horses***."
Epstein attempted to discredit Ms Giuffre's account, writing: "The girl in the photo was nothing more than a telephone answerer, she was never 15, according to her version she worked for trump first at that age, at Mara Lago. It's ridiculous."
Royal Consequences and Denials
Prince Andrew's association with Jeffrey Epstein has profoundly damaged the royal family's reputation and led to his removal from royal duties. For years, the Duke faced allegations that he sexually abused Ms Giuffre after she was trafficked by Epstein, claims he has consistently denied.
During his notorious 2019 Newsnight interview with BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew addressed the photograph directly, stating investigations had been conducted to determine whether it had been manipulated, though results proved inconclusive. He told Maitlis: "It didn't happen. I can absolutely categorically tell you it never happened. I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever."
In additional emails, Epstein continued his campaign to undermine Ms Giuffre's credibility, writing: "The girl who accused Prince Andrew can also easily be proven to be a liar. I think Buckingham Palace would love it. You should task someone to investigate the girl Virginia Roberts, that has caused the Queen's son all this agro."
The financier concluded with a remarkable promise: "I promise you she is a fraud. You and I will be able to go to ascot for the rest of our lives."
The emergence of these emails provides new insight into Epstein's attempts to influence media coverage of the scandal and his understanding of Buckingham Palace's position regarding the allegations against Prince Andrew.
