The latest release of emails tied toJeffrey Epstein is reigniting scrutiny around Prince Andrew—this time over what Epstein chose not to say.
The January 2015 unredacted message released by the Department of Justice and written by then–New York Times reporter Landon Thomas Jr. included a blunt assertion about Andrew and Virginia Giuffre—one that Epstein did not dispute in his reply. That silence is now raising eyebrows, especially given the duke’s repeated public denials over the years.
After Epstein acknowledged that his “reputation has admittedly taken a hit,” Thomas pointed directly to the royal as a liability. “I think the big issue is separating yourself from Andrew,” he wrote at the time, adding that Epstein’s association with the then-duke was “keeping the story alive.”
Thomas then made a pointed statement about Giuffre, referring to her by her maiden name initials. “I mean in the end he had consensual sex with VR. And VR worked for you. The rest is atmospherics,” the email continues. “You have moved on! People don’t know that and cant accept that unless you say as much.”
Notably, Epstein does not appear to challenge or correct that characterization in the exchange—despite Andrew’s repeated denials that he ever met Giuffre or had sexual contact with her.
READ MORE: Jeffrey Epstein Inquired About Toxic Plant That Produces Drug That Blocks Free Will, Emails Show
In his infamous 2019 Newsnight interview, Andrew said he did not recall meeting Giuffre and questioned a widely circulated photo of the two with Ghislaine Maxwell. “Nobody can prove whether or not that photograph has been doctored, but I don’t recollect that photograph ever being taken,” he said at the time.
Andrew ultimately reached a 2022 out-of-court settlement with Giuffre without admitting liability. He was later stripped of his royal titles and honors by King Charles in October 2025.
Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
