Queen Elizabeth gave the former royal her “full support” following the emergence of two photographs that showed him with Epstein following his conviction, and another of Andrew with his arm around Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault.
In an email, the day after the second photograph was published, Andrew said to Epstein, “We are in this together”.
Now, in the most recent release of the US Government documents, an email between a close adviser and Epstein reveals what the late Queen thought about her son’s connections with the convicted paedophile.
David Stern wrote to Epstein: “He has full support of his mum, only dealing with you was ‘unwise’,” with quote marks implying that Mr Stern is quoting the opinion of Queen Elizabeth, reports ITV
The interaction, taking place March 9, 2011, was just three months following Andrew’s controversial Newsnight interview, where he claimed he travelled to New York, and stayed with Epstein to let him know in person that their friendship had to come to an end, adding that it was the “honourable” thing to do.
In 2019, the late Queen did authorise Andrew to step down as a working member of the firm, though he kept his Prince title and remained the Duke of York. It was only in October 2025 that King Charles made the decision to strip him of his royal titles.
Even amid all of Andrew’s reputation falling apart, Queen Elizabeth chose Andrew to walk with her to the remembrance service for her husband, Prince Philip, at Westminster Abbey, conveying support between the mother and son.
It is also widely understood that Queen Elizabeth privately funded Andrew’s reported £12 million payment to his accuser, the late Virginia Giuffre.
Mr Stern also appeared to have been issuing updates to Epstein about what was happening in the palace, including a day after Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee in 2012, where the late Queen had chosen just five members of the Royal Family to stand with her, which were Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate, and Prince Harry.
Mr Stern wrote: “Great events with PA these last few days. Very interesting since his mummy only appeared with her eldest & his family. Changing times as we expect”.