Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is facing renewed scrutiny as newly uncovered emails reveal he maintained contact with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein long after stating he had severed ties. Court documents have brought to light correspondence dated February 2011 wherein Andrew allegedly told Epstein, "keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!!!!" This email has significant implications, especially considering Andrew claimed to have cut off their relationship months earlier, following their controversial 2010 photograph walking through Central Park with Virginia Giuffre, who was just 17 at the time.
This latest development emerged as part of the legal battle involving Jes Staley, the former CEO of Barclays Bank. Staley is appealing against findings from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which concluded he misled authorities about his relationship with Epstein. Staley, who had been close to Epstein during his tenure at JP Morgan, claimed their contact had ceased well before he joined Barclays. Yet, the FCA has disclosed emails illustrating the long-standing connections, which also reference Prince Andrew.
Andrew's defense during his infamous Newsnight interview in 2019—which many saw as disastrous—was heavily focused on asserting he had ended contact with Epstein by December 2010. His claim stands starkly contradicted by the February 2011 email found recently, which begs the question: Did Andrew mislead the public and the media concerning his ties to Epstein? The embarrassment deepens for Andrew, whose previous claims aimed to portray him as distancing himself from Epstein.
Legal experts and advocates for Epstein's victims are calling for renewed investigations based on the new evidence. Spencer Kuvin, representing several of Epstein's victims, stated, "The 2011 email clearly contradicts Andrew's previous claims he stopped contacting Epstein in 2010. There should be a thorough investigation. The comment of 'play some more soon'—they're not tennis partners; the only thing they were doing was partying together."
Critics, including Andrew Lownie, biographer of Prince Andrew, expressed concerns about the ramifications for the entire royal family. Lownie asserts, "This solidifies the fact Andrew has selective amnesia when it concerns his friendship with Epstein. It’s a nightmare for the Royal Family." He argues the revelations undermine the credibility of anything Andrew has previously stated about his associations.
Notably, Kash Patel, once expected to lead the FBI under former President Trump, remarked on the need for accountability among those linked to Epstein's notorious dealings, promising to reveal all associated networks. His comments signal potential legal troubles for Andrew could intensify. Patel affirmed, “Child sex trafficking has no place in the US. I will do everything to make sure the American public knows the full weight of what happened.”
Further complicative for Andrew is the fallout from his settlement with Giuffre, where he reportedly settled her civil claim for £12 million without admitting any wrongdoing. This settlement led to the prince being stripped of his military titles and royal patronages, deeply impacting his standing within the royal family.
Andrew's appearances since these revelations remain marked by public scrutiny. Sighted recently driving away from his residence, he seemingly projects confidence, appearing cheery as he navigates the aftermath of these allegations. Still, many insiders and observers voice skepticism about his untroubled demeanor, considering the dark shadows of his past associations.
With the continuing investigation and pressing calls for accountability, it remains clear Andrew's connection to Epstein is far from resolved. The new emails not only bring to light contradicting claims but also revive criticisms and concerns surrounding the integrity and future of the royal family. Time will tell if Andrew faces additional consequences or if this turbulent chapter will continue to haunt him and the monarchy.