Emails Reveal Prince Andrew's Endorsement of Epstein to UAE Leaders
Newly disclosed correspondence from the US Department of Justice has unveiled that Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, actively vouched for the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to high-ranking United Arab Emirates officials during a UK state visit in 2010. The emails, which do not imply any wrongdoing by the UAE officials involved, provide a detailed account of the Duke's efforts to facilitate introductions for Epstein within the Emirati leadership.
The 2010 State Visit and Email Exchange
The pivotal email was sent from "The Duke" to Epstein on 24 November 2010, coinciding with Prince Andrew's trip to the UAE alongside Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and the then Foreign Secretary William Hague. With the subject line "Abdullah," referencing the UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the message stated: "You are in big time. He thinks you are great and would like to introduce you to Sheikh Mohammed, the Crown Prince. Doesn't think it can be done before the end of the year though. I will discuss further and report back."
At that time, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan served as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; he later became the ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE in 2022. Epstein's response suggested arranging a group vacation, writing: "Ask Abdullah for a date when we can all go on vacation."
Earlier Meetings and Guidance from Epstein
A separate email from 7 November 2010 indicated that Epstein had already met with Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. Epstein messaged the Duke: "I met with both abdulla -aby dhabi, and mahammed -dubai [sic] today." Furthermore, another email showed Epstein coaching Prince Andrew on how to endorse him, advising the Duke to highlight qualities such as "trust," "financial expertise," "funder of extreme science," and "fun" to the Foreign Minister.
Discussions on Circumventing Investment Restrictions
The released documents also reveal that Prince Andrew, who served as the UK's Special Representative for Trade and Investment from 2001 to 2011, discussed ways to bypass restrictions on personal business investments while in his official role. In a May 2010 exchange—when Epstein was under house arrest for soliciting a minor—the Duke outlined a strategy, writing: "So long as I delegate any responsibility to invest then there are no problems. So Trusts are delegated responsibility as to [too] are any Banks or Investment Vehicles or for that matter Trusted individuals."
Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes. These emails, however, shed new light on the extent of their association and the Duke's involvement in promoting Epstein's interests during a significant diplomatic mission.
