A recently disclosed email from 2015 has brought renewed attention to the long-standing controversy surrounding a former senior member of the British Royal Family and his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The correspondence, made public this week, involves an exchange between Epstein and a journalist. In it, the reporter suggests that a significant part of the ongoing scandal was the former royal’s alleged conduct. The journalist wrote that, based on press reports at the time, the individual had engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with a woman who was employed by Epstein. The email argued that this connection, more than other high-profile names linked to Epstein, was perpetuating the story.
However, the journalist involved has since clarified that his statement in the email was not an assertion of firsthand knowledge. He stated to media outlets that the claim was based solely on what had been reported in the press at the time, and was not information provided to him directly by Epstein.
The former royal has consistently and vigorously denied all allegations of wrongdoing related to Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. In a widely publicized television interview several years ago, he stated he had no memory of ever meeting one of the primary accusers, despite the existence of a photograph showing them together. He later reached a financial settlement in a civil case brought by that accuser, though he admitted no liability as part of that agreement.
The individual’s ties to Epstein have had profound and lasting consequences. Earlier this year, he was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations by the monarch and has since vacated his official residence. In a statement issued at the time, he reiterated his denial of the accusations but acknowledged the need to step back from his public duties.
Epstein was first convicted in 2008 on charges related to soliciting a minor for prostitution. He was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges but died by suicide while in custody awaiting trial. His long-time associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was subsequently convicted for her role in facilitating his crimes.
The release of this decade-old correspondence ensures that questions about the extent and nature of the former royal’s relationship with the disgraced financier remain a subject of public discussion.
