Prince Andrew reportedly sent an email to Jeffrey Epstein stating “we are in this together” just three months after claiming he had severed ties with the convicted financier. The email, dated February 28, 2011, surfaced in recent media reports from The Sun On Sunday and Mail On Sunday, raising questions about the prince’s statements regarding his relationship with Epstein.
In a 2019 interview with BBC’s Newsnight, Prince Andrew stated he ceased contact with Epstein in December 2010, following Epstein’s legal troubles. Yet, the email reveals a different narrative. Andrew expressed concern for Epstein, writing, “I’m just as concerned for you! Don’t worry about me!” He signed off the email as “A, HRH The Duke of York, KG,” suggesting a degree of familiarity and ongoing communication.
The context surrounding the email is significant. The message was sent shortly after a highly publicized photograph of Andrew and Virginia Giuffre, a woman who accused Epstein of sex trafficking, was published. Giuffre has claimed that Epstein trafficked her as a teenager, a fact that Andrew has consistently denied, asserting he had never met her.
The fallout from Andrew’s relationship with Epstein has been substantial. He stepped back from public duties in November 2019 amid intense scrutiny, and later agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement in a civil sexual assault case with Giuffre. Despite this, he has maintained his innocence regarding any wrongdoing.
Legal Context and Email Revelations
This email and its implications came to light during a legal dispute involving former Barclays chief executive Jes Staley. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) produced the email as part of their investigation into Staley’s connection to Epstein. The FCA claimed that Staley’s relationship with Epstein was more than professional, suggesting that their communications indicated a close friendship.
In court documents, the FCA referenced emails between Epstein and a “member of the British Royal Family,” including Andrew. For instance, an email from June 15, 2010, included Epstein inviting the royal family member to meet with Staley, indicating a degree of informality between them. The correspondence noted social engagements, with Epstein referring to Staley as “family.”
The investigation into Staley’s relationship with Epstein continues, with Staley contesting the FCA’s findings. The unraveling details of these communications have brought renewed attention to Epstein’s connections with influential figures, including members of the British aristocracy.
Andrew’s Statements and Epstein’s Death
In his interview with BBC, Andrew asserted that he had cut ties with Epstein after becoming aware of the latter’s investigations in 2006. He stated, “I had to show leadership and I had to go and see him and I had to tell him, ‘That’s it’.” This statement stands in contrast to the contents of the email, which suggests ongoing contact well into 2011.
Epstein was found dead in his cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide, further complicating the narrative surrounding his high-profile connections.
As investigations continue and the implications of these revelations unfold, Prince Andrew’s office has been approached for comment. The ongoing scrutiny of his associations with Epstein and the surrounding circumstances has left a significant mark on his public image and royal duties.
For those seeking support in relation to sexual abuse, resources are available through Lifeline and other organizations dedicated to such matters.
