Epstein Allegations: Princess Beatrice's Name Emerges
Newly released files reveal Jeffrey Epstein reportedly boasted to a friend in 2015 that Princess Beatrice "liked" him, reigniting questions about the British Royal Family's connections to the convicted paedophile.
Jeffrey Epstein cultivated a close relationship with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson. However, recently disclosed files suggest he may also have harboured intentions towards their two daughters.
The convicted sex offender allegedly bragged to a friend in 2015 that Andrew's elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, held a fondness for him. This revelation surfaces years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting sex with minors as young as 14.
Reports indicate that Princess Beatrice had previously advised her mother, Sarah Ferguson, on how to placate Epstein in 2011, following Ferguson's initial description of him as a paedophile. At present, there is no indication of wrongdoing by either of the Princesses. Nonetheless, questions persist regarding their potential knowledge of their parents’ association with the financier.
Royal Relationships Under Scrutiny
Princess Beatrice and her sister, Princess Eugenie, have been infrequently seen alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales. Some royal commentators suggest the sisters share little in common with either William or Kate.
Furthermore, Eugenie is believed to have a closer bond with William's brother, Prince Harry, now residing in the US, and his wife, Meghan Markle.
Given that Andrew's royal titles have been stripped and more details are emerging about Sarah Ferguson's proximity to Epstein, insiders believe attention may now shift to what their daughters knew about their parents’ dealings with the sex offender.
The latest tranches of files reveal Ferguson's extensive association with Epstein. This includes her seeking his advice on her business interests and even celebrating his release from jail in 2009. The former Duchess of York allegedly took her two daughters to share a meal with the billionaire less than a week after his release. She also extended an invitation to Epstein to attend St James's Palace for some "mysterious mischief" at Andrew’s 50th birthday party, an invitation he declined.
Damning messages sent to Epstein by Ferguson include one where she expressed a desire to "marry" him and praised the convicted sex offender as "the brother I have always wished for". In one email, she reportedly wrote: "You are a legend. I really don’t have the words to describe my love and gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me.”
Ferguson has consistently maintained that her connections to Epstein constituted a "gigantic error of judgement." In a 2011 interview, she stated: "I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me. I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say.”
Her former husband, Andrew, has also featured extensively in the files, including a photograph which appears to show the disgraced former duke lying on his all fours over a woman sprawled on the floor. The exact date, location, or photographer of this image remains unknown.
Other documents reveal exchanges between Andrew and Epstein where the former prince invited the billionaire financier to Buckingham Palace and discussed a "beautiful" Russian girl. Andrew had initially asserted that he severed all contact with Epstein after 2006, when an investigation into the latter commenced, and that he had only contacted the convicted sex offender to terminate their relationship.
Sources have indicated that both Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were "mortified" to learn the latest details concerning their parents’ dealings with Epstein. An insider stated, "We don’t believe the girls [Beatrice and Eugenie] were told much about what has just emerged [in the latest Epstein files release], and they will simply be aghast at just how close their parents were to this appalling man."