Did Prince Andrew Vouch For Epstein On A UAE Visit With The Queen? New Reports Emerge

Prince Andrew's alleged association with Jeffrey Epstein has been one of the most controversial sagas in royal history.

For years, the former Duke of York faced a lot of questions over his friendship with the convicted sex offender, a relationship that played a big part in his retreat from public life and ultimately led to the Queen removing his honorary military roles and royal patronages.

Now, in early February 2026, new details came out from a large tranche of documents released by the United States Department of Justice, suggesting that Andrew may have done more than simply socialise with Epstein. Emails from late 2010 reportedly show that during a UK state visit to the United Arab Emirates with Queen Elizabeth II, Andrew wrote to Epstein about his contacts with senior Emirati figures and conveyed favourable impressions.

Why Prince Andrew Was Linked to Jeffrey Epstein in the First Place

As per reports, Prince Andrew first met Jeffrey Epstein in the late 1990s, reportedly introduced by Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite who later became Epstein's alleged associate. Epstein was a wealthy financier whose circle included politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. Andrew and Epstein were seen together on some occasions in the early 2000s, sometimes in the company of Maxwell. Epstein was a guest at Windsor Castle in 2000, and there are reports that he and Maxwell visited the royal family.

The relationship got a lot of public attention after Epstein's 2008 conviction in the United States for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a minor. Despite this conviction, Andrew continued to see Epstein occasionally, a fact documented through flight logs and photographs showing them in each other's company at different times, as per reports. Epstein also attended a party for Princess Beatrice's 18th birthday at Windsor Castle in 2006, which was months after the warrant for his arrest was issued. Andrew later said he was not aware of the full extent of Epstein's legal issues when he extended invitations.

The matter then became far more damaging in 2019 when Andrew gave a televised interview intended to explain his relationship with Epstein. The interview was largely criticised for its content and tone, and it reportedly damaged public trust. Soon after, Andrew stepped back from public royal duties. In the following years, he faced legal action brought by Virginia Giuffre. That case was settled in 2022 with a substantial payment by Andrew, who did not admit liability.

New Update Comes Out

The newest controversy is based on released emails from the United States Department of Justice, part of a gigantic release of more than three million documents related to the Epstein investigation. These records include correspondence from late 2010 that reportedly appears to show Andrew discussing Epstein with senior United Arab Emirates officials during a state visit with Queen Elizabeth II.

In one email from 24 November 2010, Andrew, who was then the UK's special representative for trade and investment, wrote to Epstein that the UAE foreign minister had spoken positively about him and might arrange an introduction to the crown prince. Epstein replied with suggested talking points, including emphasising his "financial expertise" and other qualities.

Furthermore, these emails are important because they were sent when Epstein was still under restrictions following his 2008 conviction. Reports indicate that Epstein had also met key Emirati figures independently in early November 2010, implying he had his own access to influential people at that time.

The correspondence does not suggest wrongdoing by the UAE officials involved, and there is no evidence that they acted improperly. In response to such revelations, UK political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have said that Andrew should cooperate with any appropriate investigations and even consider testifying before the US Congress about what he knows.