The scandal surrounding US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is shaking up both the government and the royal court in Great Britain. New allegations are being made against former Prince Andrew.
He added: “The specific allegations are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address. If Thames Valley Police contact us, we stand ready to assist them as necessary.” The royal couple’s thoughts and condolences are always with the victims of any abuse, the statement continued.
Earlier, Crown Prince William and his wife Kate also took a stand: The couple are “deeply concerned” by the latest revelations from the Epstein dossier, a spokesman for the Royal Palace said. The prince and princess are mindful of the victims. Andrew has lost all honours, military ranks and titles due to his alleged involvement in the Epstein abuse scandal.
Emails weigh on Andrew
Andrew gave Epstein confidential documents in 2010, according to the now-declassified files. The documents appear to have included reports on Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore, which Andrew had received in his role as the UK government's trade envoy.
Epstein had been convicted of sexual abuse of minors at the time. The emails, which were sent in early 2011, now refute Andrews' claims that she had previously cut off contact with Epstein.
A serious blow for Starmer
The shock of the new files has already caused a government crisis in London. This Monday (09.02.2026) Tim Allan, communications director for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, resigned.
On Sunday (08.02.2026), one of Starmer's most important advisers, Morgan McSweeney, resigned. The background is related to his support for Peter Mandelson, whom Starmer appointed ambassador to the US despite his known ties to Epstein.
The loss of two senior staffers in quick succession is seen as a major blow to Starmer, who is trying to wrap up the affair. Mandelson has since been sacked from his post in Washington.
The US multimillionaire had for years created a ring for the sexual exploitation of minors and maintained contacts around the world with high-ranking figures from politics, business and royal families. In July 2019, Epstein was arrested, a month later he was found dead in a New York prison cell. According to official data, he committed suicide.
Conspiracy theories
A number of theories are circulating regarding this case. Among them is speculation that Epstein acted under the mandate of the secret services to collect compromising material on influential people, so that pressure could be exerted on them.
Andrew settled a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre in 2022, accusing her of sexual assault. Giuffre committed suicide in April. Andrew has repeatedly denied the allegations of abuse, but has remained silent about the latest allegations.
More resignations over Epstein affair
The revelations about Epstein's abusive activities are bringing more and more people to light. Over the weekend, Norwegian career diplomat Mona Juul resigned over her ties to Epstein. Crown Princess Mette-Marit apologized for her past contacts with the multimillionaire.
In France, former Culture Minister Jack Lang – also over his links to Epstein – resigned as president of the Arab World Institute (IMA). “He has taken a responsible decision,” said President Emmanuel Macron. He also drew attention to the “promotion of conspiracy theories.”
The German government, according to its own information, is following developments in the Epstein files “carefully.” Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius in Berlin said: “We see what is emerging in other countries and the political consequences.” However, the federal government is “not an investigative authority” and has no reason to systematically analyze the Epstein files. Spokesman Kornelius said he was not aware of any relevant criminal cases related to these files from Germany. /DW
