Newly released emails are offering a more detailed picture of Prince Andrew’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein’s conviction for sex crimes. The correspondence reveals a seemingly convivial dinner party hosted by Epstein in December 2010, attended by a constellation of figures from entertainment, media, and British royalty, and raises further questions about the Prince’s claims regarding the extent of his ties to the disgraced financier.
The dinner, described by one attendee as “sensational,” took place at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse. Among those present were filmmaker Woody Allen and his wife Soon-Yi Previn, television journalists Katie Couric and George Stephanopoulos, and entertainment publicist Peggy Siegal, who orchestrated much of the event. The guest list also included comedian Chelsea Handler and talk show host Charlie Rose.
The emails suggest the gathering wasn’t a somber farewell, as Prince Andrew later claimed in a BBC Newsnight interview. He stated that his trip to New York at that time was specifically to end his friendship with Epstein. Instead, the correspondence paints a picture of a lively social occasion, with conversations ranging from Prince William and Catherine’s upcoming wedding to requests for invitations to the event.
Siegal, in an email to Epstein the morning after the dinner, recounted a playful exchange with the Prince. “My favourite line: ‘So Andrew tell us about the wedding. What are you wearing?’ He was not sure if I was kidding or not,” she wrote. Andrew himself later characterized the event as a “small dinner party, there were only eight or 10 of us I think,” and noted he had to deflect requests for wedding invitations.
The emails also reveal that Prince Andrew received gifts at the dinner. Siegal sent him two copies of the film The King’s Speech, with a note expressing her desire to watch him watch the film. She also alluded to Harvey Weinstein’s potential displeasure at her gifting the film to the Prince, writing, “Harvey will kill me if he finds out I lent them to him. Harvey is trying to get the palace (and Prince Charles) to see the film.”
The timing of the dinner is particularly noteworthy, coming after Epstein had served time in prison for procuring a child for prostitution. The emails demonstrate Epstein’s continued ability to network with high-profile individuals even after his conviction. Siegal, in particular, appears to have played a key role in facilitating these connections, helping Epstein maintain access to influential figures.
Epstein expressed concern about media coverage of the dinner, emailing Siegal, “Not good for andrew, not good for me,” after an article detailing conversations from the event appeared in the press. The article reportedly included a claim that Couric had asked Andrew if she could email him his BlackBerry to receive details about the wedding from inside Westminster Abbey. Andrew, according to the report, responded that the Royal Family was “delighted” with the approaching marriage and described Catherine as a “terrific girl.”
Woody Allen, when questioned about his attendance, downplayed the event, stating in an interview with the Sunday Times that he barely remembered it. “Someone, a publicist, invited Soon-Yi and me to a dinner at Jeffrey’s house with one of those British royals. I can’t remember the name because I don’t follow the royals with any interest at all,” he said. However, other emails reveal a more frequent correspondence between Allen and Epstein, including discussions about filmmakers and a glowing review of a new iPhone from Allen to Epstein: “I absolutely love this phone. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Allen also sent a message to Epstein regarding a dinner in , requesting that food be served “very hot; never lukewarm.”
The released emails also offer a glimpse into Epstein’s social circles and his attempts to curate a specific image. One particularly jarring exchange reveals a question from Siegal to Epstein – “Is it going to be 100% JEW NIGHT?” – and his response: “No, goyim in abundance- jpmorgan execs brilliant wasps.” This exchange is likely to draw further scrutiny to Epstein’s associations and the dynamics of his inner circle.
While the release of these documents does not imply wrongdoing on the part of any of the attendees beyond their association with Epstein, it does further erode Prince Andrew’s previous statements about severing ties with the convicted sex offender. The emails provide concrete evidence of continued contact and a seemingly comfortable relationship well after Epstein’s legal troubles began, raising serious questions about the Prince’s judgment and the extent of his knowledge regarding Epstein’s activities.
The ongoing release of the Epstein files continues to generate headlines and fuel investigations into the network of individuals connected to the disgraced financier. The latest disclosures underscore the power of Epstein’s connections and the challenges of holding those associated with him accountable.
