Prince Andrew has faced strong criticism over his past ties with Jeffrey Epstein, a relationship that has drawn public and legal scrutiny. BBC
Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice suggest that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein invited a man believed to be Prince Andrew to meet a young Russian woman in 2010.
The emails appear in a large batch of records made public as part of ongoing legal disclosures tied to Epstein. Several messages are signed with the initial “A” and include a signature that appears to read “HRH Duke of York KG.”
The messages date back to August 2010, two years after Epstein pleaded guilty in the United States to soliciting a minor.
Details of the Dinner Invitation
According to the emails, Epstein suggested introducing the Duke to a 26-year-old Russian woman who would be visiting London. He wrote that the Duke “might enjoy having dinner with” her.
The Duke replied that he would remain in Geneva until the morning of August 22 but said he “would be delighted to see her.” He also asked, “Will she be bringing a message from you?” and requested her contact details. He later asked Epstein if there was “any other information you might know about her that might be useful to know?”
Epstein responded by describing the woman as “26, russian, clevere [sic] beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email.”
The documents do not show any evidence of wrongdoing connected to the exchange.
A Second Meeting Mentioned
Another email exchange dated September 27, 2010, shows Epstein writing that he was in London and asking when he and another person could meet privately. The Duke replied that he would arrive later that day and suggested dinner at Buckingham Palace, adding it would offer “lots of privacy.”
Epstein responded with: “bp pleease [sic].”
Background and Official Responses
Epstein completed his sentence in July 2010, just one month before the email exchanges. The authenticity of the emails has not been independently confirmed.
Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. Authorities contacted him again in 2020 when U.S. officials sought to interview him as a possible witness. That request stated he was not a target of the investigation.
He has also denied allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who said Epstein trafficked her. Prince Andrew settled a civil case in 2022 while maintaining he never met her.
Other Emails Involving Sarah Ferguson
The latest release also includes emails linked to Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s former wife. In a 2009 message, she asked Epstein for a brief meeting during a trip to Florida and later praised him in personal terms. These emails also show no sign of criminal activity.
Massive Document Release
The disclosures form part of more than three million pages released under U.S. law signed by Donald Trump. Many files remain heavily blacked out.
