Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, is facing renewed scrutiny after the release of leaked emails that shed additional light on his past association with deceased child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
On Tuesday, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released tens of thousands of documents from Epstein’s estate, including correspondence referencing Mountbatten-Windsor and Virginia Roberts Giuffre.
Giuffre accused the former royal of raping her when she was a teenager after being trafficked by Epstein and his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles last month, has consistently denied Giuffre’s allegations.
The disgraced younger brother of King Charles III claims he has no memory of meeting her.
However, several of the newly published emails, first reported by The Telegraph and Sky News, appear to contradict some of the denials he made during his 2019 BBC “Newsnight” interview.
Epstein’s Emails Reference Andrew and Giuffre
In a July 2011 email, Epstein appeared to confirm the authenticity of a now-infamous photograph allegedly showing Andrew with his arm around Giuffre’s waist while Maxwell stands in the background.
The image has long been central to the controversy surrounding the former prince.
According to Sky News, Epstein wrote:
“Yes she [Giuffre] was on my plane, and yes she had her picture taken with Andrew, as many of my employees have.”
He also claimed the photo was genuine, writing:
“The girl has fled the country with an outstanding arrest warrant…
“I have never misled you, this girl is a total liar…
“I will ask if they will cooperate – Prince people.”
Giuffre’s Allegations and Legal History
Giuffre alleged in a 2015 federal lawsuit against Maxwell that she was recruited by Maxwell in the summer of 2000 while working as a spa attendant at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
She said Epstein later trafficked her to powerful figures, including Andrew.
Giuffre moved to Australia in 2002 and later married Robert Giuffre, changing her last name.
She died earlier this year at the age of 41.
In her posthumous memoir, “Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice,” Giuffre detailed her experiences with Epstein and Maxwell.
Andrew’s 2019 BBC Interview
During his 2019 “Newsnight” interview, Andrew disputed the photo’s authenticity, stating:
“I have absolutely no memory of that photograph ever being taken.”
“Nobody can prove whether or not that photograph has been doctored but I don’t recollect that photograph ever being taken,” he added.
“From the investigations that we’ve done, you can’t prove whether or not that photograph is faked or not because it is a photograph of a photograph of a photograph.”
Andrew also questioned his attire and the hand placement visible in the photo, suggesting potential photo-editing.
However, he provided no evidence to support these claims.
Emails Show Andrew’s Reaction to Media Reports
In another 2011 email obtained by The Telegraph, Andrew appeared to express distress over growing media scrutiny.
After a reporter from the Mail on Sunday contacted Epstein seeking comment, Epstein forwarded the inquiry to Maxwell, who passed it to Andrew.
Andrew allegedly replied:
“Hey there! What’s all this?
“I don’t know anything about this.
“You must SAY so please,” the former prince urged.
“This has NOTHING To do with me.
“I can’t take any more of this.”
In a separate reply, Epstein appeared to respond:
“Just got it two minutes ago.
“I’ve asked g [sic] lawyers to send a letter… Not sure… it’s so salcisous [sic] and ridiculous, im [sic] not sure how to respond, the only person she didn’t have sex with was Elvis.”
Another email from July 2011 showed Epstein advising his publicist that it would be beneficial for them to smear Giuffre, then Roberts, to protect Andrew:
“The girl who accused Prince Andrew can also easily be proven to be a liar…
“You should task someone to investigate the girl Virginia Roberts…
“I promise you she is a fraud.
“You and I will be able to go to Ascot for the rest of our lives.”
Legal and Royal Fallout
Days after Andrew’s Newsnight interview aired in November 2019, Buckingham Palace announced that he would step back from public duties.
He later lost his military titles and royal patronages, and multiple charities and organizations severed ties with him.
Epstein died in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy to entice and transport minors for illegal sex acts and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew in 2021 in New York.
After a U.S. judge denied Andrew’s motion to dismiss the case, the parties reached a settlement in February 2022.
Andrew did not admit liability but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum and make a donation to a charity for abuse victims.
Loss of Titles and Royal Status
Ahead of the publication of Giuffre’s memoir on October 21, Andrew issued a statement confirming that he had relinquished his royal title, the Duke of York.
On October 30, King Charles formally initiated proceedings to remove Andrew’s remaining honors.
“His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor…
“Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.”
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the statement concluded.
The Palace added that “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
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