“Emails Allegedly from Prince Andrew to Epstein Uncovered Post-Claim of Severed Ties” | UK News
The Duke of York informed Jeffrey Epstein that they would “play some more soon!” two months after he stated he had severed ties with the convicted sex offender.
The emails were revealed in a filing by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is currently supporting an appeal by former Barclays CEO, Jes Staley.
Staley is contesting a ruling to ban him from the industry for providing misleading information to regulators regarding his connections to Epstein, one of the harshest penalties the FCA can apply.
The court records reveal exchanged messages between Epstein and “a member of the British Royal Family,” believed to be Prince Andrew. This indicates that the duke and Epstein – who ended his life in jail in 2019 – were in contact for a longer period than previously disclosed.
Ex-Barclays boss Jes Staley. Pic: PA
In 2008, Epstein admitted guilt to soliciting prostitution from a minor and received an 18-month prison sentence. Following his release, Epstein and the duke were seen walking together in Central Park in New York in December 2010.
The prince has asserted that this was the last interaction he had with Epstein.
In a 2019 interview with Newsnight, Andrew mentioned that he visited Epstein in person to inform him that they could no longer remain friends, believing it was the “honourable” thing to do.
However, emails exchanged between the two, presented to a London court, indicate that they continued their correspondence until at least February 27, 2011.
On this date, Andrew emailed Epstein: “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!!!!”
The disgraced duke has faced criticism regarding his relationship with the paedophile financier. In 2022, he settled a multi-million pound lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and compelled to engage in sexual acts with the royal.
Andrew stepped back from royal duties and public life and claimed he never met Ms. Giuffre. He chose to settle the lawsuit without admitting any wrongdoing.
He has consistently denied all allegations against him.
Newsnight interview deemed ‘ill-advised’ – aide
Additional court documents released on Friday disclosed that one of the prince’s senior aides admitted in a letter to an alleged Chinese spy that the duke’s Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis was “hugely ill-advised and unsuccessful”.
Prince Andrew and alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo
Dominic Hampshire wrote to Yang Tengbo on Buckingham Palace letterhead in March 2020.
In the letter, he stated they “have dealt with the aftermath of a hugely ill-advised and unsuccessful television interview”.
Mr. Hampshire commended Mr. Yang, stating that “in what initially appeared to be a lost cause, you have somehow managed to not only salvage but maintain and then incredibly enhance the reputation of my principal [Prince Andrew] in China.
“With your direction, we found a method to discreetly escort the appropriate individuals in and out of Windsor; we executed a powerful verbal endorsement to China at a Chinese New Year’s dinner and collectively, we authored, revised, and consistently agreed on numerous letters at the highest possible level.”
Mr. Yang asserted in a statement on Friday that the accusations of him being a spy are “entirely unfounded”.
Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell, in a photograph believed to be from 2001. Pic: Rex/Shutterstock
The Jes Staley emails
Emails revealed Epstein inviting Andrew to meet Staley on February 27, suggesting: “Jes Staley will be in London next Tuesday afternoon, if you have time [sic].”
Andrew replied: “Is Jes coming on March 1 or next week?”
The two then discussed press articles, after which the duke mentioned that they would “play some more soon”.
Sky News has reached out to Prince Andrew for a comment.
