On August 31, 2025, a report published by The Sunday Times revealed that Prince Andrew maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein until late 2015, five years longer than he claimed in his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview. This disclosure, based on emails between Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, contradicts Andrew’s assertion that their relationship ended in December 2010.
Emails obtained by The Sunday Times from the file-sharing website Distributed Denial of Secrets show Epstein discussing a business opportunity in China with Barak in late 2015, attributing the information to “Andrew.” When Barak asked if it was “The Prince,” Epstein confirmed, “Yes.” This exchange suggests ongoing communication between Prince Andrew and Epstein, despite Andrew’s claim during his 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis that he ceased contact after a meeting in December 2010 in New York. Earlier emails from 2011 also showed Andrew promising to “keep in close touch” with Epstein, further contradicting his narrative.
Context of Their Relationship
Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in 2019, has long been controversial. The two reportedly met in 1999 through Ghislaine Maxwell, though historian Andrew Lownie claims their friendship began in 1991. Andrew faced scrutiny for staying at Epstein’s Manhattan home in 2010, a visit he described as an attempt to end their relationship. However, the 2015 emails indicate continued contact, raising questions about his honesty during the Newsnight interview, which led to his withdrawal from public duties.
The revelation intensifies scrutiny on Prince Andrew, who settled a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre in 2022 for a reported £12 million without admitting liability, per ITV News. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, alleged abuse by Andrew when she was 17, a claim he denied. The new evidence may fuel calls for further investigation, although the London Metropolitan Police found no new actionable information in 2023, according to The Guardian. Public reactions on X show divided sentiment, with some demanding accountability and others defending Andrew’s privacy.
Implications for the Royal Family
The report adds to the challenges facing the British royal family, which is already navigating controversies, such as Prince Harry’s public disputes. Andrew’s prolonged contact with Epstein undermines his 2019 claim of being “too honourable,” potentially damaging the monarchy’s reputation. Biographer Andrew Lownie noted that the royal family’s handling of Andrew’s scandals remains a “sad story,”. The issue could strain public trust, especially as King Charles faces pressure to address the Duke of York’s status.
Virginia Giuffre, Epstein Accuser, Dies by Suicide at 41
The disclosure highlights ongoing questions about Epstein’s network and its influence on high-profile figures. With no client list found, as per a 2025 FBI memo cited by Newsweek, the focus shifts to individual connections, such as Andrew’s. The case highlights the importance of transparency in royal and public affairs, particularly amid heightened scrutiny following the Epstein-related lawsuits.
