Prince Andrew told Epstein “we are in this together”

Published: 13 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Prince Andrew reportedly sent an email to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein stating “we are in this together” the day after a photograph emerged showing him with Virginia Giuffre, reigniting scrutiny over the Duke of York’s connections to the disgraced financier. The message, dated 28 February 2011, appears to contradict Andrew’s long-standing claims that he severed all contact with Epstein months earlier.

The Sun on Sunday reported that in the email, sent from Andrew’s official address with the automated signature “HRH The Duke of York KG,” the duke wrote: “I’m just as concerned for you! Don’t worry about me! It would seem we are in this together and will have to rise above it.” He reportedly urged Epstein to “keep in close touch” and added, “We’ll play some more soon!!!!”

The photograph in question, published on 27 February 2011, shows Andrew with his arm around the waist of Virginia Giuffre at the London townhouse of Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting and trafficking underage girls for Epstein. The image emerged just hours before Andrew’s email and captured what Giuffre has described as a visit to London in March 2001, when she was aged 17. She alleges that during this visit she was taken to dinner, drank with the duke, went to the Tramp nightclub, and later had sex with him.

Andrew, now 65, has consistently denied all allegations of sexual abuse. In 2019, he gave an infamous interview with the BBC’s Newsnight, insisting that he had severed contact with Epstein after being photographed with him in Central Park, New York, in December 2010. At the time, he claimed the photo marked the end of their friendship.

The newly revealed email, however, appears to challenge that assertion. By expressing solidarity with Epstein and indicating future meetings, the correspondence casts doubt on Andrew’s claim that his interactions with the financier had ceased. The message also raises questions about the veracity of his denial regarding his encounter with Giuffre, which he described in 2019 as a meeting that “didn’t happen.”

In the BBC interview, Andrew insisted that the photograph of him and Giuffre was not taken in London and offered explanations for why the image appeared misleading. “Oh it’s definitely me, I mean that’s a picture of me, it’s not a picture of… I don’t believe it’s a picture of me in London because… when I go out in London, I wear a suit and a tie,” he said. He added, “I am not one to, as it were, hug and public displays of affection are not something that I do. So that’s the best explanation I can give you and I’m afraid to say that I don’t believe that photograph was taken in the way that has been suggested.”

The email’s timing, just one day after the photo became public, has reignited criticism of Andrew’s behaviour and his long-standing association with Epstein. Giuffre has also alleged that the duke sexually abused her on Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, while she was still a teenager. Andrew has unequivocally denied these claims. In 2022, he agreed to settle Giuffre’s civil claim for a multi-million-dollar sum without admitting liability.

Experts and observers have noted that the revelation of the email may further complicate Andrew’s public image and legacy. While he has consistently sought to distance himself from Epstein, the new correspondence suggests a continued level of engagement even after the scandal surrounding Epstein’s criminal activities became widely known.

Legal analysts have highlighted that such communications, while not necessarily implying guilt, could be relevant in assessing claims about Andrew’s knowledge of Epstein’s activities and the nature of their ongoing relationship. The duke’s settlement with Giuffre in 2022 was one of several high-profile civil agreements related to Epstein’s victims, aimed at resolving claims without protracted litigation or admissions of wrongdoing.

The unfolding revelations come amid continued public interest in the Epstein-Maxwell scandal and its far-reaching implications, particularly regarding high-profile figures who maintained relationships with Epstein despite his documented criminal behaviour. Andrew’s association with Epstein has long been a source of controversy for the British royal family, generating criticism from the public, media, and advocacy groups alike.

Royal commentators have noted that the email could reignite debates about the duke’s accountability and the responsibility of those in positions of influence to sever ties with individuals engaged in criminal conduct. It also raises broader questions about institutional oversight and the mechanisms by which high-profile figures navigate legal and ethical boundaries.

While Andrew has maintained his innocence and framed the settlement as a pragmatic resolution, the resurfacing of emails and photographs continues to fuel media scrutiny and public debate. Analysts suggest that such revelations may influence public perceptions of the monarchy, particularly regarding transparency, accountability, and the handling of sensitive scandals involving members of the royal family.

As the conversation around Epstein and his network of associates continues, the release of this email serves as a reminder of the complexities and enduring consequences of high-profile relationships entwined with criminal activity. The juxtaposition of Andrew’s public denials and private correspondence underscores the challenges in reconciling official statements with documented communications, and the broader implications for trust and credibility in public life.

Prince Andrew’s case also highlights ongoing discussions about victim advocacy, civil settlements, and the legal recourse available to those affected by sexual abuse. Giuffre’s allegations, combined with public documentation such as photographs and emails, continue to inform debates on consent, accountability, and institutional responsibility, both within the context of the monarchy and society at large.

While Andrew has sought to navigate the fallout through legal settlements and media appearances, the emergence of the email adds a new dimension to the public record. It underlines the tension between personal narratives, public perception, and the evidence available to journalists, historians, and legal observers.

The enduring media coverage ensures that the story remains a focal point for discussions on ethics, law, and the responsibilities of public figures. As archival evidence, such as emails and photographs, continues to surface, analysts expect the discourse to evolve, encompassing both the historical context of the Epstein scandal and its contemporary ramifications for those involved.

The email, reportedly sent less than 24 hours after the photograph became public, exemplifies the ongoing scrutiny that Prince Andrew faces, despite legal resolutions and public denials. The revelations are likely to reignite debate on how accountability is pursued for high-profile individuals implicated in sexual abuse scandals, and the degree to which private communications align—or conflict—with public statements.