The alleged exchange is part of more than three million records made public by the US Department of Justice. The emails are said to be between Jeffrey Epstein and David Stern, a former close aide to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

In a message dated November 27, 2010, Mr Stern seemingly forwarded an unflattering newspaper article about Ms Ferguson. Epstein allegedly replied: “Who talks?” to which Mr Stern responded: “No idea! Details in the article seem very accurate.”

Epstein then wrote: “I know she called me yesterday . . . johnny blah blah.”

Mr Stern appeared to answer: “She is terrified about Johnny. He must know some dirty stuff.”

The Debt Dispute

“Johnny” is understood to refer to John O’Sullivan, who served as Ms Ferguson’s personal assistant for nearly 20 years. He was reportedly owed $126,721 (£110,012), covering unpaid wages and tuition fees for an MBA at Columbia University that Ms Ferguson had agreed to fund.

Given both the size of the debt and Mr O’Sullivan’s long-standing role within her inner circle, the matter posed a serious risk. After nearly two decades working closely with the Duchess, he had detailed knowledge of her personal and financial affairs — meaning any fallout could have been deeply damaging if made public.

It appears this unresolved debt led Andrew to seek Epstein’s help in handling his ex-wife’s financial troubles.

On December 5, 2010, while still serving as the UK’s trade envoy, Andrew was photographed walking with Epstein in Central Park, New York. The newly disclosed emails suggest that meeting may have been linked to resolving Ferguson’s financial obligations.

At the time, her financial problems were extensive. By late 2010, she reportedly owed up to £5 million to various creditors, including significant legal fees in the United States.

Settlement Negotiations

On January 7, 2011, Mr O’Sullivan received a formal settlement offer of $31,680 (£23,267), marked “without prejudice and in full and final settlement.” The sum was nearly $100,000 less than what he was allegedly owed.

He rejected the proposal, pushing for improved terms.

Earlier correspondence from November 23, 2010, forwarded to Epstein, described the dispute as “a fly in the ointment,” noting that most other creditors had already accepted reduced settlements.

The emails indicate Epstein agreed to step in, though the negotiations were reportedly tense. In private communications, he appeared dismissive of Mr O’Sullivan.

In an alleged email dated February 28, 2011, Epstein informed Andrew that an agreement had been reached, with Mr O’Sullivan accepting $60,000 (£44,067) — less than half the original amount.

Epstein allegedly wrote: “He said he would take 60k in wages, pay tax and be done.. I don’t trust him at all, and a payment from me at the moment if disclosed to the press would look like a payoff for the little s***.”

The records suggest the former assistant ultimately settled for substantially less than his entitlement.

Ongoing Denials

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named in the files or appearing in associated material does not in itself imply criminal conduct.

Sarah Ferguson has previously expressed regret over her association with Epstein. She stated: “I would never have anything to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again. I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children. It was a gigantic error of judgment.”

The latest disclosures, however, continue to cast fresh light on the financial entanglements and personal connections surrounding the royal family’s links to the disgraced financier.