According to the documents, the late financier and convicted sex offender suggested he had been encouraged to consider legal action over alleged phone hacking, allegedly linked to attempts to obtain information about Prince Andrew.
Email referring to “the palace” raises questions
As reported by ITV, one email dated July 12, 2011, shows Epstein writing to a lawyer to seek advice about whether he should sue the New York Post. The message followed revelations about widespread phone hacking at News International, owned by Rupert Murdoch.
In the email, Epstein wrote that there was “no love lost in the palace” for Murdoch and claimed there was evidence the New York Post had hacked his phone to obtain information about Prince Andrew. He went on to say that “the palace has asked if I would bring an action in New York.”
Epstein also acknowledged potential obstacles, describing himself as “not a sympathetic figure” and expressing uncertainty about pursuing a legal battle. The email does not clarify who specifically he meant by “the palace,” nor does it confirm any direct contact with Buckingham Palace itself.
Unclear links to Prince Andrew and the institution
The email offers no concrete evidence of formal communication between Epstein and the Royal Household. It remains unclear whether Epstein was referring to Buckingham Palace as an institution, to Prince Andrew personally, or to secondhand information passed on through intermediaries.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment. No confirmation has been given regarding any advice allegedly offered to Epstein, and the lack of detail makes it impossible to verify the nature or source of the claim.
The timing of the email is notable. It was sent just two days after News of the World shut down amid admissions of large-scale phone hacking. At the time, News International had already been under investigation for unlawful information gathering, with several individuals previously jailed over hacking-related offences.
New document release and renewed scrutiny
The email is part of a much larger release of material. Last week, the US Department of Justice published approximately three million files connected to Epstein and his activities.
Among the newly released material are images that appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in compromising positions with an unidentified woman. No context has been provided for the images, including when or where they were taken. Representatives for Andrew have not offered further clarification.
Andrew has consistently denied all wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and being named or appearing in the files does not constitute evidence of criminal behaviour. Sarah Ferguson is also reportedly referenced in the latest batch of documents.
Buckingham Palace has previously made clear its stance. When Andrew was stripped of his titles, a statement issued on behalf of King Charles confirmed that the decision was taken while reiterating sympathy for victims of abuse, and acknowledged that Andrew continues to deny all allegations against him.
As further files are expected to be released, questions remain about the extent of Epstein’s contacts and the accuracy of claims made within his private correspondence.
