Yet the disgraced former prince isn’t the only royal named in the explosive trove connected to Epstein, who was charged with sex crimes in 2019 before dying by suicide while awaiting trial.
The long-anticipated release followed Congress passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act last November.
“Today’s release marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters on Friday (30 Jan).
Still, criticism quickly followed. Some House Democrats argue that significant material remains undisclosed.
“Donald Trump and his Department of Justice have now made it clear that they intend to withhold roughly 50 percent of the Epstein files, while claiming to have fully complied with the law,” US Representative Robert Garcia said. “This is outrageous and incredibly concerning.
“The oversight committee subpoena directs Pam Bondi to release all the files to the committee, while protecting survivors.”
The release includes flight logs, government IDs, employment records, emails, and an enormous archive of more than 180,000 images and 2,000 videos. Among those referenced are high-profile musicians, actors, financiers, politicians and members of royal families.
Prince Andrew’s Renewed Scrutiny
Long before this latest disclosure, the man formerly known as Prince Andrew had faced allegations over his relationship with Epstein. Virginia Giuffre accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was a minor, claiming she had been trafficked by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
In 2022, the monarchy reached a financial settlement with Giuffre, who later took her own life last April. Following the posthumous publication of her memoir detailing the alleged abuse, Andrew’s brother, King Charles III, stripped him of his remaining royal titles, including “Prince” and “Duke of York,” and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge, where he had lived with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson since 2004.
The new documents reference Andrew hundreds of times in email exchanges with Epstein. One photograph released Friday shows the father-of-two on all fours over an unidentified woman, his hand on her abdomen.
In another exchange, someone signing as “A” and “HRH The Duke of York” discusses meeting a “beautiful” Russian woman. The same sender also invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010 — two years after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution, for which he served 13 months.
Additional emails from Ghislaine Maxwell to a contact dubbed “The Invisible Man” suggest “Andrew” should opt to spend time with “Sarah and the kids” at a Spanish resort rather than visit “the Island,” where “5 stunning red heads” would be staying.
Andrew continues to deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
Sarah Ferguson’s Role
Sarah Ferguson also appears repeatedly in the documents.
One March 2011 message shows Epstein asking publicist Mike Sitrick to “draft a statement that in an ideal world Fergie would put out.” Days earlier, the former duchess had told the Evening Standard she felt “deep regret” about her ties to Epstein.
“I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children,” Ferguson said at the time, apologising for accepting £15,000 from him.
However, a separate 2011 email revealed last year shows her referring to Epstein as “my dear, dear friend.”
Her spokesperson later clarified that the message was sent in response to a defamation threat from Epstein. In a 2025 statement, they said she “spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims”.
“Like many people, she was taken in by his lies,” the statement added. “As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with paedophilia.
“She does not resile from anything she said then. This email was sent in the context of advice the Duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats.”
Though Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are not accused of wrongdoing, they are mentioned in peripheral correspondence. Andrew sent Epstein photographs of his daughters between 2011 and 2012, including Christmas cards, a picture of Beatrice climbing Mont Blanc, and one of Eugenie on a charity bike ride.
In a 2010 email, Ferguson appeared to invite Epstein to Andrew’s 50th birthday at St James’s Palace, writing: “Beatrice, Eugenie and I would love to invite you….”
That same year, Epstein asked if there was “any chance of your daughters saying hello” to someone at a London event. Ferguson replied: “Beatrice is in London with her father. Eugie is away with a cool boyfriend.”
Despite their parents’ scandals, the sisters retain their Princess titles.
Mette-Marit Under Fire
Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, previously unscathed in earlier releases, has now been drawn into controversy.
According to Norwegian outlet VG, she is mentioned more than 1,000 times in the latest documents, suggesting contact with Epstein between 2011 and 2014.
In one email, she wrote, “You tickle my brain.” In others, she described him as “soft-hearted” and “such a sweetheart.”
In 2022, she reportedly asked a “very charming” Epstein whether it was “inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15 yr old sons wallpaper”.
Responding publicly on Saturday (31 Jan), she said: “I showed poor judgment and I deeply regret having had any contact with Epstein. It is simply embarrassing.”
She added that her “deep sympathy and solidarity” lie with Epstein’s victims and acknowledged she should have examined his background more carefully.
Mentions of Camilla and Diana
Queen Camilla appears nine times in the files, though authorities have found no evidence suggesting any personal link to Epstein. Her name likely surfaced in forwarded articles, third-party emails or reference lists.
The late Princess Diana is mentioned 14 times. However, this alone does not establish any contact or involvement. Apart from what appears to be an unpublished profile claiming Epstein was seen “with his arm around Princess Diana” at a 1994 London dinner, there is no proof they met.
Ghislaine Maxwell told federal investigators she believed Epstein had met Diana at a London event, though she admitted uncertainty about whether they actually sat together.
As scrutiny over the files continues, the latest release has reignited global debate — not only over Epstein’s crimes, but over the powerful figures whose names remain intertwined with his legacy.
