Written by Lisa Murimi
Former prince Andrew Mountbatten Windsor contacted convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein months after the disgraced financier was released from prison, newly unsealed court documents reveal.
Emails released this week from a 2023 U.S. court case between the U.S. Virgin Islands and JP Morgan show that the former royal exchanged friendly correspondence with Epstein in April 2010—just nine months after Epstein completed an 18-month sentence for prostituting minors.
In one email, Mr. Mountbatten Windsor wrote that he would “drop by” to meet Epstein in New York, adding, “It would be good to catch up in person.”
The messages were later forwarded by Epstein to Jes Staley, a U.S. banker who was banned from senior financial roles in 2023 after misleading regulators about his relationship with the convicted paedophile.
The revelations have reignited public outrage over Andrew’s past ties to Epstein and renewed calls for accountability from victims’ advocates.
One of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, has long alleged that she was trafficked to have sex with Mr. Mountbatten Windsor on multiple occasions.
The former prince has consistently denied the accusations but agreed to settle Giuffre’s civil lawsuit in 2021 for a sum reportedly worth £12 million.
Giuffre’s family, speaking through representatives, have now urged authorities to reopen investigations in light of the newly surfaced emails, calling them further proof of “a pattern of poor judgment and complicity.”
Following ongoing public and political pressure, Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday that Andrew’s remaining royal titles and honours have been formally removed.
“He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor,” the Palace said in a statement, adding that the decision ensures his titles cannot be used in any official capacity.
The latest revelations also come amid reports that the disgraced royal has vacated Royal Lodge, his longtime Windsor residence, as the monarchy distances itself from continued scrutiny over his association with Epstein.
While Mr. Mountbatten Windsor maintains his innocence, royal aides privately acknowledge “serious lapses of judgment” in his conduct.
