The largest release to date of documents related to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has unveiled a series of damning email exchanges that appear to directly involve Prince Andrew. The files, released by the US Department of Justice, seem to show the Duke of York requesting "inappropriate friends" from Epstein's former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Damning Email Exchanges from 2001-2002
The newly public records include email correspondence from 2001 and 2002 between Maxwell, now serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, and a contact identified as "A". This correspondent, who signs off with the initial and claims to be writing from Balmoral, the royal residence in Scotland, is strongly suggested to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
In one email dated 16 August 2001, "A" asks Maxwell: "Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?". Maxwell replied a day later, stating: "So sorry to disappoint you. However, the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends."
The context of the emails adds weight to the identification. They reference Andrew's departure from the Royal Navy ("RN") that year and the death of his childhood valet in August 2001. Further exchanges in February and March 2002 discuss arrangements for a trip to Peru, involving a third party, Juan Estaban Ganoza.
Arrangements for Peru Trip and 'Discreet' Companions
In the Peru-related emails, Maxwell forwards a message to "A" that mentions setting up meetings with "girls". The forwarded note states: "I just gave Andrew your telephone no." "A" responds: "I will ring him today if I can."
When Ganoza asks about the age of the person involved, "A" replies: "I am overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity of the offers that are being made for me." Regarding the companions, "A" adds: "As for girls well I leave that entirely to you and Juan Estoban!"
Maxwell's instructions to Ganoza, as revealed in the files, requested help with "two-legged sight-seeing" involving "intelligent pretty fun" girls from "good families" to make Andrew "very happy". She emphasised the need for companions who were "friendly and discreet and fun". Official photographs confirm Andrew undertook an official visit to Peru soon after these communications.
Broader Implications and Political Fallout
The document release has significant wider implications, reigniting scrutiny on multiple fronts:
- US Political Figures: The files contain multiple references to former US President Donald Trump. One claim by a senior US attorney alleges Trump was on a flight in the 1990s with Epstein and a 20-year-old woman. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
- Other Offenders: The documents reveal the FBI sought to question Andrew about his links to a second millionaire sex offender, Peter Nygard.
- Law Enforcement Action: Emails record that Britain's Metropolitan Police contacted the FBI last month to inquire about any ongoing investigations related to Andrew's association with Epstein.
- Questionable Redactions: Parts of the released files featured redactions that were found to be removable using simple digital techniques, raising concerns about the disclosure process.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has lived a largely secluded life since being stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations in early 2022. He has consistently and vigorously denied the accusations against him regarding his association with Epstein, a relationship that has been under intense scrutiny since 2011. A representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this latest document release.
The revelations have prompted renewed calls for Andrew to cooperate fully with US investigations into Epstein's network. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer recently stated that individuals involved in child sexual offence cases should disclose any relevant information. In Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for the US Justice Department to release details on at least ten potential Epstein co-conspirators it examined.
This latest tranche of evidence ensures the long-running scandal, with its connections to royalty, politics, and finance, remains firmly in the global spotlight, posing continued challenges for all those implicated.
