The latest tranche of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case, released by the US Department of Justice, has unveiled a series of intimate email exchanges between Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell. These communications, dating back to the early 2000s, feature affectionate language and declarations of love, reigniting longstanding speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Affectionate Exchanges and Pet Names
Among the thousands of newly published files are emails in which Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Maxwell refer to each other with pet names such as 'darling', 'sweet pea', and 'sweet heart'. In one notable exchange from August 2002, Andrew sought Maxwell's 'permission' to spend time with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their children during a bank holiday weekend, rather than travelling to the United States to see her.
Maxwell's reply, dated August 24, expressed understanding, stating: 'Andrew sweet heart - I fully understand if you want to spend time w/Sarah and the kids. I will not be remotely offended - sad not to spend time w/you and sad not to see you...' She signed off with 'I shall miss you. I love you lots. Gx.'
Suggestive Follow-Ups and Emotional Declarations
In a follow-up email sent on August 25, Maxwell made a suggestive remark, writing: 'No problem, (redacted), who is now coming and 5 other stunning red heads will all just have to play with ourselves.' Andrew responded on August 27, expressing sadness at not joining her but adding: 'But whatever I love you and am longing to see you when either you or I are in the same part of the world.' He concluded with 'Masses of love and thanks, A xxx.'
Further emails from October 2002 show Maxwell joking about Andrew having more children, to which he denied the rumours. In 2005, Andrew emailed Maxwell, dubbing her 'darling' and discussing travel plans, signing off with 'Love you A xxx.' The correspondence also reveals Maxwell comforting Andrew after the death of the Queen Mother in March 2002, where she called him 'sweat [sic] pea'.
Claims of a Romantic Involvement
These emails have bolstered claims from friends and associates that Andrew and Maxwell were romantically involved. Royal historian Andrew Lownie, author of a biography on the Duke and Duchess of York, stated unequivocally: 'They were lovers, they had been lovers. They have known each other for years. It was a very close relationship.' He added that Maxwell was 'providing girls for Andrew, in effect, along with Epstein.'
Euan Rellie, a banker who knew Maxwell from university, previously described the pair as having an 'easy warmth' and appearing 'intimate', suggesting they had been girlfriend and boyfriend. Former royal protection officer Paul Page also hinted at an intimate relationship, noting Maxwell's frequent, unrestricted access to Buckingham Palace.
Disturbing Images and Wider Context
The document release includes over three million items, many heavily redacted, along with thousands of photographs and videos. Among these are images appearing to show Prince Andrew crouching over a woman lying on the floor, touching her stomach. Other files reveal emails from Sarah Ferguson, who described Epstein as 'the brother I have always wished for' and thanked him for financial assistance with her debts.
Additional correspondence shows Andrew inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace shortly after the financier's house arrest ended, offering 'lots of privacy'. Epstein had previously offered to introduce Andrew to a 26-year-old Russian woman, which the prince accepted cheerfully.
Denials and Ongoing Speculation
Prince Andrew has consistently denied having a close friendship with Maxwell and any wrongdoing related to Epstein. However, these newly public emails, with their tender language and emotional sign-offs, are likely to intensify scrutiny and debate about his connections to the convicted sex trafficker and his associate. As more documents emerge, experts like Lownie warn: 'I'm sure there's worse to come.'
