Freshly disclosed court documents from the United States Department of Justice have unveiled the extensive and enduring relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and David Stern, a former aide to Prince Andrew. The files paint a detailed picture of Stern acting as Epstein's conduit within royal circles, managing communications and arranging engagements right up until Epstein's arrest and subsequent suicide in 2019.
The Intermediary Role
David Stern, a German national who served as director of Prince Andrew's Pitch@Palace business initiative, maintained a registered office within Buckingham Palace. According to the released correspondence, Stern functioned as a pivotal intermediary, relaying messages and executing requests from the disgraced financier on behalf of the Duke of York.
Facilitating Royal Access
The documents reveal numerous instances where Stern orchestrated meetings and provided assistance at Epstein's behest. In one notable email from April 2016, Epstein requested Stern to help his Belarusian girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, and a friend during their London visit. Stern promptly arranged an itinerary that included witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, followed by a formal lunch, insisting they bring picture identification and adhere to a strict dress code.
Epstein expressed his gratitude for the planned activities, to which Stern responded emphatically: "My pleasure. I am always on your team!!" This declaration appears to have been more than mere courtesy, as subsequent evidence demonstrates Stern's continued loyalty and operational support for Epstein throughout the following years.
Contradicting Public Statements
Prince Andrew has publicly asserted that he severed all contact with Jeffrey Epstein in December 2010, claiming he made a personal visit to New York to deliver the news due to his "tendency to be too honourable." However, the newly released emails directly challenge this narrative, revealing ongoing communication and coordination facilitated by Stern well beyond that date.
Behind-the-Scenes Coordination
The correspondence shows Stern keeping Epstein informed about Prince Andrew's movements and business activities across the globe. During a trip to China and Kuala Lumpur in September 2011, Stern boasted to Epstein about his behind-the-scenes role, stating: "Most meetings by now are organised by me except mayors and governors... I stay in the background/hidden, just make the arrangements."
Stern's apparent control extended to managing the prince's diary and introducing him to Epstein's contacts. In June 2013, Stern explicitly asked Epstein: "PA in Silicon valley on 25. & 26 June. Anyone you want him to see?" Epstein promptly suggested a meeting with former Microsoft executive Steve Sinofsky, which was then arranged through Stern's coordination.
Business Ventures and Financial Schemes
The documents also shed light on various business propositions and financial schemes discussed between Stern and Epstein, often involving Prince Andrew's potential involvement. In September 2010, Stern alerted Epstein to a suspicious proposition involving Nigerian oil deals that could allegedly generate millions for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
Stern further proposed establishing a "small investment highly private office in London with outpost in Beijing" that would discreetly utilize Prince Andrew's "aura and access" while Epstein would oversee investment decisions. Regarding another venture, Prince Andrew reportedly suggested Stern could serve as "a Ghost for me in the up side of this entity," indicating a level of trust and clandestine collaboration.
The Witan Connection
In February 2011, Stern informed Epstein about naming his UK business "Witan," explaining that Prince Andrew approved the name precisely because he didn't recognize its historical significance. Stern described Witan as "the council of the Anglo Saxon kings in and of England: its essential duty was to advise the king on all matters on which he chose to ask its opinion"—a fitting metaphor for his own advisory role within the royal circle.
Continued Contact Despite Growing Scandal
Even as media scrutiny intensified following the publication of the infamous photograph showing Prince Andrew with his arm around teenager Virginia Giuffre in February 2011, the communication channels remained open. Prince Andrew himself emailed Epstein after the photo emerged, writing: "Don't worry about me! It would seem we are in this together and will have to rise above it. Otherwise keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!!!"
By October 2011, Epstein expressed nervousness about being publicly associated with the royal family, particularly regarding travel arrangements. When Prince Andrew proposed chartering a plane together, Epstein wrote to Stern: "PA is chartering his own plane. He wants to take me with him. My name will be on the flight-records etc. I feel it is safer to fly separately. Do you agree?"
Managing Palace Relations
The documents indicate that officials within Prince Andrew's office were aware of the ongoing connections. In January 2015, when The Guardian reported sexual abuse allegations against Prince Andrew in a civil case involving Epstein, Stern emailed Epstein: "PA office is asking if your lawyers can give head up in future so they are aware/can prepare etc?"
Epstein expressed frustration about palace statements regarding the story, writing: "Before PA attacks me, it would have been nice to have a heads up. I understand he has his needs but going further than necessary has caused many problems this side of the Atlantic." Stern agreed to investigate who issued what he called a "stupid" statement.
Final Communications
The sharing of information continued remarkably close to Epstein's arrest. As late as February 2018, Stern emailed Epstein from Tokyo: "Today in Tokyo with PA." During the same trip, Stern informed Epstein that he was with Prince Andrew near Palau, next to a boat owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
Epstein's brief response—"Not well. Take photos?"—hints at his deteriorating state while maintaining interest in documenting the royal activities. Stern reportedly visited Epstein in New York just months before his arrest and subsequent death in 2019, resigning from Pitch@Palace weeks after learning the news.
The released documents collectively portray David Stern as a crucial figure maintaining the connection between Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew's circle, facilitating communications, arranging meetings, and exploring business opportunities until the very end of Epstein's life. Both Prince Andrew and David Stern were approached for comment regarding these revelations.
