A newly disclosed email reveals that a senior British royal contacted the late financier Jeffrey Epstein just one day after a photograph linking them became public.
The message, dated February 28, 2011, was sent from the Duke of York to Epstein. In it, the royal appears to offer reassurance, stating, “It would seem we are in this together and will have to rise above it.” He concluded the communication with, “Otherwise keep in touch.”
The photograph at the center of the controversy depicted the Duke with his arm around a then-teenage Virginia Giuffre, with Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, also visible. Its publication had ignited significant media scrutiny.
Further content within the email suggests the Duke intended to maintain the relationship. He wrote that they would “play some more soon,” a phrase interpreted by observers as an indication of plans to resume their association once public attention subsided. The royal also signed the message with his formal title and the initials denoting his membership in the Order of the Garter.
This correspondence emerges amidst the backdrop of a civil lawsuit filed by Giuffre against the Duke in 2021. She alleged she was trafficked to him as a minor, claims he has consistently denied. The case was settled out of court in 2022 for an undisclosed sum.
Prior to her passing, Giuffre had documented detailed accounts of her alleged encounters in personal diaries. These writings described interactions with the Duke, including specific physical compliments and attention paid to her feet, which she noted was unexpected. She wrote of feeling pressure to comply, fearing disappointment.
The release of this email provides a direct glimpse into the royal’s private communications following a major public scandal, indicating a effort to sustain contact with Epstein despite the serious allegations surrounding him.
