Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case appear to show that Prince Andrew asked Ghislaine Maxwell to arrange meetings with “inappropriate friends” and sought “friendly and discreet and fun” girls on his behalf.
The latest and largest batch of files related to the convicted sex offender also raise new questions for former US President Donald Trump. They include emails from 2001 and 2002, exchanged under the name “A” with Maxwell, which seem to identify the author as Andrew, offering further insight into their relationship, which has been under scrutiny since 2011.
The documents also reveal that the FBI sought to question Andrew about his connections to another millionaire sex offender, Peter Nygard.
In October, Andrew strongly denied allegations regarding his links to Epstein. He has not yet commented on these new files.
Other key points from the US Department of Justice release include:
* Emails showing that London’s Metropolitan Police contacted the FBI last month to ask about any ongoing investigations into Andrew’s association with Epstein.
* Emails where US lawyers claim there were “various factual inaccuracies” in a statement provided on Andrew’s behalf during their Epstein investigation.
* Multiple references to Donald Trump, including a claim by a senior US attorney that Trump was on a flight in the 1990s with Epstein and a 20-year-old woman. There is no indication the woman was a victim of any crime, and Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
* Files where redactions could be removed using simple techniques like copying highlighted text or using Photoshop.
Andrew has kept a low profile since October, when it was announced he would lose his royal titles and move out of his Windsor home. He has faced allegations over his ties to Epstein since 2011, when a photo emerged showing him with his arm around then-17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, with Maxwell standing nearby.
Among the new documents are email exchanges from 2001 and 2002 between Maxwell—now serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking—and a correspondent who appears as “The Invisible Man,” signs off as “A,” and says he is writing from Balmoral Castle.
In one email from August 16, 2001, “A” asks Maxwell: “Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?” Maxwell replied the next day, joking: “So sorry to disappoint you. However, the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends.”
The same emails reference Andrew leaving the Royal Navy that year and the death of his childhood valet in August 2001. Later, in early 2002, an exchange shows Maxwell forwarding correspondence about arranging a trip to Peru that included setting up meetings with “girls.” The forwarded message states, “I just gave Andrew your telephone no.,” to which “A” replies.”I will call him today if I can.”
“About the girls… how old is he?” asks Ganoza. In response, A says: “I am deeply touched by the kindness and generosity of the offers being made for me.”
He adds: “As for girls, well, I leave that entirely to you and Juan Esteban!”
Maxwell’s forwarded message also requested help arranging “two-legged sight-seeing” with “intelligent, pretty, fun” girls from “good families” to make Andrew “very happy.” She added: “I know I can rely on you to show him a wonderful time and that you will only introduce him to friends you can trust to be friendly, discreet, and fun.”
Photographs taken soon after show Mountbatten-Windsor on an official visit to Peru.
The latest releases are likely to renew calls for Mountbatten-Windsor to assist with efforts in the U.S. to seek justice for Epstein’s victims. This follows last week’s release of photographs showing Andrew lying on the laps of women—whose identities have been redacted—at Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk, with Maxwell smiling in the background. There is no suggestion that the photograph is evidence of any crime.
Last month, Keir Starmer increased pressure on Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with a congressional investigation into Epstein, stating that those involved in child sexual offence cases should disclose any information they have.
In Washington D.C., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Tuesday for the U.S. Justice Department to release details on “at least 10 potential Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirators” it was examining and to explain why it did not prosecute them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein focusing on the message reportedly involving Prince Andrew
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is this about
This is about a set of court documents released in early 2024 from a lawsuit related to Jeffrey Epstein The documents contain emails depositions and other records that mention many associates including Britains Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell
2 Who are Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender and financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges Ghislaine Maxwell his former girlfriend and associate was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein and is currently serving a 20year prison sentence
3 What did Prince Andrew allegedly ask for in the message
According to the released documents a 2015 email from Ghislaine Maxwell references a message where Prince Andrew allegedly asked her for inappropriate friends This is widely interpreted as a request for introductions to people who might engage in or facilitate improper sexual conduct
4 Has Prince Andrew responded to this
Prince Andrew has not publicly commented on this specific email A source close to him previously dismissed it as total nonsense when it was first reported years ago His legal team has consistently denied any wrongdoing on his part
5 Why are these documents being released now
They were unsealed by a US judge as part of a 2015 civil defamation lawsuit filed by one of Epsteins victims Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell The release was the result of years of legal motions by media organizations
Advanced Contextual Questions
6 Is this a new allegation against Prince Andrew
No the core allegation is not new Virginia Giuffre has long claimed she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew when she was 17 which he vehemently denies This specific email about inappropriate friends was first reported in 2019 but gained renewed attention with the official document release
7 What is the legal significance of this email
By itself this email is not direct evidence of a crime It is an alleged communication
