Queen Elizabeth's Private Support for Prince Andrew Revealed in Epstein Correspondence
Newly unearthed emails from the Jeffrey Epstein files have revealed that Queen Elizabeth II privately gave her son, Prince Andrew, her "full support" following the emergence of a controversial photograph, while simultaneously believing his continued association with the convicted sex offender was "unwise." The correspondence, dated March 9, 2011, provides the first clear indication of the late monarch's personal views regarding her son's decisions during the escalating scandal.
Palace Adviser's Confidential Communication
The email, written by Andrew's close adviser David Stern to Jeffrey Epstein, explicitly states: "PA has full support of his mum, only dealing with you was 'unwise.'" ITV News reports that Stern was directly quoting Queen Elizabeth II's perspective, referring to Prince Andrew as "PA" in the message. This communication occurred just three months after Andrew's infamous Newsnight interview, where he claimed to have flown to New York specifically to end his friendship with Epstein in person, describing the action as "honourable."
At the time of this email exchange, Prince Andrew was facing mounting pressure to resign from his role as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment. This pressure intensified after a newspaper published a photograph showing him walking alongside Epstein in New York's Central Park. Further correspondence revealed that Stern continued to keep Epstein informed about the mood within palace circles following these damaging publications.
Broader Context of Royal Backing
The Queen's support extended beyond private reassurance. Despite the growing controversy, she authorized Andrew to retain his Duke of York title and prince status shortly after the Newsnight interview. It was not until October 2025, under King Charles's order, that this title was formally removed. Furthermore, it has been widely reported that Queen Elizabeth privately funded Andrew's substantial out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, estimated at approximately £12 million, following Giuffre's allegations against him.
In a telling demonstration of her continued backing, the Queen chose Andrew to accompany her at a remembrance service for Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey in 2022, despite his severely damaged reputation. The email exchange also occurred mere days after Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, publicly apologized on March 7, 2011, for accepting £15,000 from Epstein to settle personal debts.
Epstein's Reaction and Security Concerns
Jeffrey Epstein responded to Ferguson's apology by instructing Stern to inform both Andrew and Ferguson that her statement was "causing major problems" and was "very unfair." Stern confirmed he would relay this message via "Messenger which is safer (device to device)," highlighting concerns about communication security. David Stern, who previously worked in Andrew's office and directed his Pitch@Palace entrepreneur scheme, appears in a photograph released by the US Department of Justice alongside Andrew and Ferguson, smiling beside a birthday cake with the caption "my birthday."
Photograph Authenticity Confirmed
Virginia Giuffre's family stated she has been "vindicated" after an email from Ghislaine Maxwell confirmed the authenticity of the infamous photograph showing Andrew with his arm around the then-17-year-old Giuffre. Andrew had long disputed the validity of this image, suggesting it might have been fabricated—a claim central to his Newsnight interview defence. However, Maxwell's email, revealed by the Daily Mail, stated "for the record as fact" that she introduced Andrew to Giuffre and that the photograph was taken in her home that same evening.
Sky Roberts, Giuffre's brother, told BBC Newsnight this correspondence "truly does vindicate" his sister, proving "she was telling the truth" about the meeting's location and circumstances. In her draft statement, Maxwell wrote: "In 2001 I was in London when [redacted] met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew... A photograph was taken as I imagine she wanted to show it to friends and family." She added she had "no knowledge" of Giuffre "having sexual activity" with Andrew or other "famous people."
Recent Developments and Royal Repercussions
The email release coincides with Andrew's recent relocation from his £30 million Royal Lodge residence to the King's Sandringham Estate, a move described as occurring "under the cover of darkness." He will temporarily stay at Wood Farm Cottage before moving permanently to Marsh Farm by April, following renovations. This transition came after King Charles grew increasingly concerned about allegations against Andrew, including a separate email where Andrew appeared to tell Epstein he wanted to be his "pet," and police announcements about assessing claims Epstein trafficked another woman to the UK to have sex with the former prince.
Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. These revelations provide unprecedented insight into the private royal dynamics during one of the most damaging scandals to affect the British monarchy in recent decades.
