A newly released cache of emails from 2011 reveals how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly Prince Andrew — attempted to distance himself from Jeffrey Epstein as the scandal surrounding the convicted sex offender widened. The disclosures arrive as the former royal faces renewed scrutiny over long-standing sexual assault allegations, questions over his public statements, and the recent loss of his remaining titles.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s Plea for Distance

Thousands of partially redacted emails made public this week provide insight into how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor tried to separate himself from Epstein more than a decade ago. One message from 2011, sent by a contact identified as “The Duke,” captured his frustration with the growing media attention surrounding Epstein’s conduct.

“I can’t take any more of this,” the sender wrote. The email, released Wednesday, was one of several communications showing his efforts to contain the fallout as his association with Epstein became the subject of intense public interest.

The relationship would ultimately reshape Mountbatten-Windsor’s life, leading to the removal of all formal titles and military affiliations and, most recently, his further demotion by King Charles III. Reports suggest he now also faces eviction from his longtime residence near Windsor Castle.

A Royal Career Unraveling

The former Duke of York — once second in line to the British throne — has endured years of escalating controversy over his relationship with Epstein, who at the time had been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida.

Mountbatten-Windsor stepped down as Britain’s special trade envoy in 2011 when his links to Epstein became public. The scandal resurfaced in 2019 following Epstein’s arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges, which he faced before his death later that year.

That same year, Virginia Roberts Giuffre accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions when she was 17. He has consistently denied the allegations. Although he settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre for an undisclosed sum reportedly worth millions, he offered no admission of liability.

Giuffre died earlier this year, but her claims have continued to shape public understanding of the case — particularly through the publication of her posthumous memoir last month.

A BBC Interview That Deepened the Crisis

Mountbatten-Windsor’s attempt to defend himself in a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview became a defining turning point. He denied meeting Giuffre and said he had ended his contact with Epstein in late 2010. His explanations, including widely criticized comments about his inability to sweat, were met with disbelief and sharp public backlash.

The interview was followed by a series of consequences: he stepped back from royal duties, relinquished his patronages, and later had his military titles removed. The monarchy formally distanced itself in 2022, with Buckingham Palace stating he would no longer use “His Royal Highness” in any official capacity.

Emails Contradict Earlier Claims

The latest documents suggest Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein was more active than he publicly acknowledged. The emails appear to show Epstein coordinating communication strategies and discussing media inquiries about Giuffre’s allegations.

One email from Epstein dismissed Giuffre’s credibility and referred to a photograph showing Mountbatten-Windsor with his arm around her midriff — a photo he has long claimed he could not recall being taken. “Yes she was on my plane, and yes she had her picture taken with Andrew as many of my employees have,” Epstein wrote in 2011.

Other messages show Epstein describing Giuffre disparagingly and suggesting that Buckingham Palace would welcome efforts to discredit her accusations.

Coordinated Responses to Media Inquiries

When the Mail on Sunday reached out for comment in March 2011, Epstein forwarded the inquiry to “The Duke,” whose response appeared carefully defensive.

“Please make sure that every statement or legal letter states clearly that I am NOT involved and that I knew and know NOTHING about any of these allegations,” the message said. “I can’t take any more of this on my end.”

Epstein’s reply to the tabloid’s request struck a notably provocative tone: “The only person she didn’t have sex with was Elvis,” he wrote.

These exchanges illustrate how both men discussed managing the narrative surrounding Giuffre’s allegations well before the issue publicly resurfaced years later.

Renewed Scrutiny and Continuing Consequences

The email release coincides with a period of renewed public and legal attention for Mountbatten-Windsor. After losing his remaining titles earlier this month, he now faces ongoing pressure to address the contradictions between his public statements and the evidence emerging from years of investigations.

The new disclosures also revive long-standing questions about what members of the royal household knew, how they responded, and whether efforts were made to influence coverage of the allegations — issues likely to persist as more documents and testimonies surface.

Conclusion

The emails add another layer to the unfolding documentation surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein. While he continues to deny all allegations, the correspondence points to deeper involvement with the scandal than he previously acknowledged. With fresh evidence emerging and public scrutiny intensifying, the former royal faces an increasingly complex legacy shaped by one of the most controversial relationships in recent British history.

Source: AP News – ‘I can’t take any more of this,’ then-Prince Andrew wrote during Epstein scandal, emails reveal

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Newly released emails from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein reveal that Prince Andrew expressed deep frustration to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2011 after being alerted that a British newspaper was preparing a story about their controversial associations.

In the email, Andrew wrote: “What’s all this? I don’t know anything about this! You must SAY so please. This has NOTHING to do with me. I can’t take any more of this.” The correspondence followed a “right-of-reply” email sent by the Mail on Sunday to Maxwell, which included multiple claims about Andrew.

Congressional Inquiry and Testimony Request

The release of these documents coincides with a U.S. Congressional inquiry into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have requested Andrew’s testimony.

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam noted that Andrew can testify remotely and has yet to respond to the invitation. Virginia Giuffre, a prominent Epstein accuser, has alleged that Andrew had sexual encounters with her as a teenager. Andrew has denied the claims and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022, which contained no admission of liability or apology.

Earlier this month, Andrew was stripped of his titles following renewed attention on his Epstein ties after Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.

Trump and Other Figures Mentioned in Emails

Several emails released by Democrats reference Donald Trump, exchanged between Epstein and Maxwell. One April 2011 email reportedly stated: “I want you to realize that the dog that hasn’t barked is Trump.. [VICTIM] spent hours at my house with him.”

The White House later clarified that the unnamed “victim” was Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, and that she never alleged wrongdoing by Trump. Giuffre’s 2016 deposition and 2025 memoir do not implicate Trump in any abuse.

House Republicans subsequently released thousands of additional documents, accusing Democrats of selectively highlighting materials to create a “fake narrative” against Trump.

Photo Evidence and Historical Allegations

The emails also address a photo of Andrew with a 17-year-old Giuffre, confirming its authenticity. Epstein wrote in July 2011 that Giuffre had been on his plane and had her picture taken with Andrew.

The email chain includes instructions from Maxwell allegedly directing Giuffre and another girl to sit on Andrew’s lap and engage in sexual activity at Epstein’s New York apartment and Little St. James, Epstein’s private Caribbean island. The correspondence requested a reply by noon the following day.

Andrew has maintained he has no recollection of the photo and has suggested it may have been manipulated.

Epstein and Lord Mandelson Contact

The documents show that Lord Peter Mandelson had contact with Epstein as late as 2016, years after previously reported interactions. Emails indicate discussions about personal milestones and the U.S. presidential election, referring to activities “in the Donald White House.” Mandelson was sacked as the UK ambassador to the U.S. in 2021 due to his links to Epstein. He declined to comment on the newly released emails.

Source: BBC – I can’t take any more of this, Andrew told Epstein, released emails show

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Andrew and Epstein: The Nature of Their Relationship

Prince Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein has been a source of persistent controversy. Introduced to Epstein by Ghislaine Maxwell in 1999, Andrew claims they met only “once or twice a year” and denies wrongdoing. He stayed at several of Epstein’s properties and attended high-profile social events, including charity fundraisers at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago and parties at Windsor Castle hosted by the royal family.

Epstein pleaded guilty to state-level prostitution charges in 2008 and was later charged federally for sex trafficking before dying in prison in 2019. Andrew’s connections to Epstein, Maxwell, and other social circles have prompted questions about judgment and oversight during his tenure as a working royal.

Legal Settlements and Allegations

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her as a teenager, detailed multiple alleged encounters with him in London, New York, and on Epstein’s Caribbean island, Little St. James. Giuffre’s 2025 posthumous memoir “Nobody’s Girl” further fuels public scrutiny.

Andrew settled a civil suit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing but acknowledged her suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. He has maintained that he never witnessed or suspected Epstein’s criminal behavior. Nonetheless, reports of a 2011 email urging Epstein to “keep in close touch” challenge his prior claim that he severed ties in 2010. The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations that he asked a bodyguard to gather information on Giuffre.

Royal Family Knowledge and Response

It remains unclear what King Charles III or other senior royal staff knew about Andrew’s Epstein connections and when. While his 2019 BBC interview was filmed at Buckingham Palace, the depth of internal awareness has not been disclosed. Critics argue that the royal household has not adequately accounted for the implications of Andrew’s associations.

Titles, Honors, and Royal Standing

On Friday, Andrew announced he would stop using the Duke of York title and other honors, a decision made in consultation with King Charles and the royal family. However, he retains the titles legally, as formal removal requires an act of parliament. Andrew also remains eighth in line to the throne, a position that can only be altered through legislation with the consent of Commonwealth nations—a process last used during Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936.

Critics argue that ceasing use is insufficient for accountability, noting that his status as a prince remains intact, which carries more significance than his dukedom internationally.

Residency at Royal Lodge

Prince Andrew continues to reside at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, under a 75-year lease agreed in 2003. Although upfront payments and refurbishment costs were covered, the lease terms reportedly allow Andrew to pay a nominal annual rent of one peppercorn. The arrangement also entitles him to a substantial payout if he vacates early.

This has provoked parliamentary and public criticism, with calls for greater accountability given the use of Crown Estate property and potential taxpayer interest. Lawmakers have urged scrutiny over his continued residence and the financial terms involved.

Additional Controversies

Andrew has faced questions over business dealings with China, including alleged connections to Chinese businessman and purported spy Yang Tengbo. Documents indicate that Andrew maintained communications with Xi Jinping through Yang, though he has denied wrongdoing and claims to have ceased the relationship after government advice. These controversies compound the ongoing Epstein-related scandal and raise broader questions about his conduct in private and public capacities.

Government and Parliamentary Involvement

The UK government has faced calls to intervene, including a motion by the Scottish National Party urging legislative steps to remove Andrew’s dukedom. A YouGov poll indicates that 80% of Britons support this action. Downing Street maintains that the matter falls under the royal family’s discretion, emphasizing that Andrew has already ceased using his titles.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for “proper scrutiny” of all Crown properties, reflecting broader parliamentary interest in accountability and oversight.

Source: CNN – The unanswered questions hanging over the Prince Andrew scandal

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Prince Andrew has formally relinquished the use of his royal titles, including Duke of York, following discussions with King Charles and other senior members of the royal family, Buckingham Palace confirmed Friday.

In a statement released by the palace, Andrew said the decision was made “in discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family,” adding that ongoing accusations surrounding his conduct had become a distraction from “the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.”

A royal source told CNN that the decision takes effect immediately, ending months of speculation about the prince’s standing within the monarchy.

A Move to Protect the Monarchy’s Reputation

The move marks the most significant step yet in distancing the royal institution from Andrew, who has faced persistent scrutiny over his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and more recent allegations of ties to an alleged Chinese spy.

“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further,” the prince said in his statement. “I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.”

Members of the royal family, including Prince William, the Prince of Wales, were consulted before the decision was finalized, according to multiple reports.

Family Titles and Public Roles Adjusted

Under the new arrangement, Andrew’s ex-wife will be referred to simply as Sarah Ferguson, dropping her “Duchess of York” title. However, the titles of their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will remain unaffected.

Royal insiders said Andrew will no longer participate in official family events, including annual Christmas gatherings, though he will continue to reside at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he holds a private tenancy.

Despite relinquishing his honors, he will retain his title as “Prince” by birthright as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

A Scandal That Has Shadowed the Royal Family for Years

Prince Andrew’s troubles date back nearly a decade and center largely on allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who filed a 2015 lawsuit accusing Epstein of trafficking her and forcing her into sexual encounters with his associates — including Andrew — when she was 17.

Giuffre alleged that Andrew was aware she was underage and that the encounters took place at Epstein’s Manhattan residence, his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and at the London home of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former companion.

Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct.

Amid mounting public outrage and institutional pressure, he stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following a widely criticized BBC interview, during which he struggled to explain his relationship with Epstein.

Loss of Military and Charitable Positions

Following the lawsuit, Andrew was stripped of his military affiliations and removed from honorary positions across multiple charities and organizations.

In 2022, he and Giuffre reached an undisclosed out-of-court settlement, which ended the legal dispute but did little to rehabilitate his public image.

The friendship between Andrew and Epstein — which spanned more than a decade — reportedly ended in 2011, when Epstein allegedly threatened legal action against Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, over unpaid debts.

New Allegations of Chinese Spy Links

Beyond the Epstein controversy, Andrew has faced renewed attention over alleged connections to Yang Tengbo, a Chinese businessman accused of espionage and barred from entering the United Kingdom.

Documents presented during a UK tribunal hearing in December 2024 revealed that Yang was authorized to represent Prince Andrew in meetings with potential Chinese investors, a claim that prompted a government inquiry into the prince’s foreign dealings.

The tribunal upheld Yang’s exclusion from the UK, though he has denied any wrongdoing. Andrew has not been accused of a crime in connection with the case, but the revelations deepened concerns over his judgment and associations.

Royal Family Seeks Stability After Years of Turmoil

King Charles, who has prioritized restoring public trust in the monarchy since ascending the throne, has reportedly encouraged a “streamlined and accountable royal model.” Palace aides say Andrew’s decision reflects a collective effort to move forward and refocus public attention on the monarchy’s official work.

“This is about safeguarding the institution,” one royal aide told The Guardian. “His Majesty values loyalty and service, but he also understands that the public’s confidence in the Crown must come first.”

Public and Media Reaction

Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some commentators have praised the move as a necessary step toward transparency, while others argue that it comes too late to repair the damage caused by years of negative publicity.

Royal analysts note that while the decision draws a line under Andrew’s formal role, questions remain about his long-term future within the family and whether he will retain royal security or taxpayer-funded privileges.

Buckingham Palace has not commented further on these details.

The Monarchy at a Crossroads

As the Royal Family faces growing calls for modernization and accountability, Andrew’s departure from official life symbolizes a broader generational shift.

For now, the palace’s message is clear: the monarchy aims to protect its reputation through decisive action and transparency, even when that involves its own members.

Source: CNN – Prince Andrew gives up royal titles after string of scandals

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Published Time: 08-19-2025, 16:00

Norwegian prosecutors have formally indicted Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, on multiple criminal charges including rape and acts of violence. The 28-year-old, who holds no royal title or official duties, could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Multiple Charges Filed in Oslo Court

Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksbø confirmed that Høiby is facing 32 charges following an extensive investigation. These include rape, abuse in a close relationship against a former partner, acts of violence against another individual, making death threats, and several traffic violations.

If convicted, Høiby could face up to 10 years in prison, NRK reported. Despite the severity of the charges, prosecutors said there is currently no reason to place him in pretrial detention, and he remains free pending trial.

Background on Marius Borg Høiby

Marius Borg Høiby, 28, is the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne. Although he is part of the royal family, Høiby does not hold a royal title nor engage in official duties.

He has been under public scrutiny since last year, when he faced multiple arrests related to allegations of misconduct. The recent indictment follows months of investigation by Norwegian authorities.

Trial Timeline and Legal Proceedings

Henriksbø indicated that the trial could start in mid-January 2026 and may last approximately six weeks, NRK reported. The case will be heard in Oslo District Court, where Høiby will be required to respond to the charges.

Defense attorney Petar Sekulic stated in a written response:

“Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence. He will present a detailed account of his version of events before the court.”

The royal palace released a brief statement emphasizing judicial independence:

“It is up to the courts to handle this case and reach a decision. The palace has nothing further to add.”

Legal and Public Implications

The indictment has drawn significant attention both within Norway and internationally, given Høiby’s connection to the royal family. Legal experts note that Norway’s judicial system operates independently, and any proceedings will follow due process without influence from the monarchy.

Observers also point out that the trial’s outcome could have broader public implications, particularly concerning media coverage of royal family members and the intersection of private life and public scrutiny.

Key Charges Detailed

Among the 32 charges, prosecutors highlight:

• Rape and sexual abuse allegations against a former partner.
• Abuse in a close relationship, which encompasses repeated acts of violence and intimidation.
• Threats to life, reported in the form of verbal death threats.
• Traffic violations, adding to the spectrum of criminal charges.

The defense has indicated that Høiby will contest most allegations, especially those relating to violence and sexual abuse.

Royal Family Response

While the royal palace has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case, the announcement has reignited discussions about royal privacy and public accountability. Analysts note that, unlike some European royal families, the Norwegian monarchy maintains a relatively low public profile, making this case particularly notable in national discourse.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The case has received extensive coverage across Norwegian media outlets, including NRK, and is expected to dominate headlines as the trial approaches. Public reactions range from concern for alleged victims to debates over media responsibility in reporting royal-related legal matters.

Outlook

As the trial date approaches in January 2026, both prosecutors and the defense prepare to present evidence and testimonies. Observers emphasize that, despite Høiby’s royal connections, the case will proceed under Norway’s independent legal framework, ensuring due process for all parties involved.

Source: AP News – Prosecutors indict the son of Norway’s crown princess on multiple counts including rape

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“I don’t know how much longer my father has” — Prince Harry urges reconciliation amid deepening royal rift.

LONDON — Prince Harry has made a heartfelt plea to reconcile with his family following a legal defeat over his police protection in the UK — a loss he says widened the divide with his father, King Charles III.

In an emotional interview with the BBC just hours after the court ruling, Harry said, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. I don’t know how much longer my father has.”

On Friday, the Court of Appeal rejected Harry’s challenge to reinstate his publicly funded security, which had been stripped after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the U.S. The decision dealt a personal and symbolic blow, particularly as it came amid ongoing tensions with King Charles, who is currently battling cancer.

“He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” Harry said, underscoring the strain in their relationship.

The Duke of Sussex argued that the lack of security made it unsafe to return to the UK with his wife Meghan and their two children. He claimed the 2020 decision to cut off protection left his family exposed to real threats — including one from Al-Qaida and a near-catastrophic paparazzi chase in New York.

Harry accused palace officials of playing a key role in the decision and criticized what he sees as a system meant to control him and Meghan.

“What I’m struggling to forgive… is the decision that knowingly put me and my family in harm’s way,” he said.

Despite expressing a desire for peace, Harry showed no signs of backing down from his criticism of the royal establishment.

Buckingham Palace, in a statement after the ruling, emphasized that the case had been thoroughly reviewed and upheld at every level. The court found that Harry’s security could be handled on a case-by-case basis and that his lower level of protection was a natural result of stepping back from royal life — not a legal wrongdoing.

Sir Geoffrey Vos, one of the judges, noted that while Harry’s grievances were heartfelt, they didn’t amount to legal grounds for overturning the decision.

Harry urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to revisit the security process and emphasized that, above all, his concern is for his family’s safety.

“Whether you’re the government, the royal household, or my family — despite all our differences — don’t you want to ensure our safety?” he asked.

Harry has been vocal about what he views as institutional failings, both in the monarchy and the British media. His departure from royal life in 2020 came after feeling unprotected by the institution. That year, a Home Office panel concluded there was no basis for ongoing taxpayer-funded security for the couple in the UK.

Harry, now 40, has had a mixed track record in court. He lost a prior case seeking to personally fund police protection in the UK, with officials arguing that public officers shouldn’t serve as bodyguards for private individuals — even royals.

However, he did notch major victories against British tabloids. In 2023, he won a lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mirror over phone hacking. And earlier this year, Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspapers issued a rare apology and paid substantial damages over privacy violations.

Despite the turbulence, Harry says he still loves his homeland and wants his children to know it. But for now, he only returns for funerals and court dates — not the warm family visits he once knew.

Source: AP NEws – Prince Harry seeks family reconciliation after losing a court case that caused a split with his dad

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