Andrew 'Considered Abdication' After Epstein Issue — but the Queen Told Him to 'Get a Job'

Queen Elizabeth and Andrew attend Derby Day of the Investec Derby Festival; (Inset) Jeffrey Epstein in Cambridge, MA (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo; (Inset) Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis)

Feb. 04 2026, Published 07:51 AM. ET

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor dealt a serious blow to the monarchy when his controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced. Following his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, where he displayed a lack of remorse, the late Queen Elizabeth asked him to step back from royal duties. Now, the release of a fresh batch of Epstein files has reignited scrutiny, with an email shedding light on the Queen's reaction to her 'favorite' son's leaked, troubling photo, of strolling in the park with Epstein.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew attend Royal Ascot 2017 at Ascot Racecourse. — Queen Elizabeth and Andrew Mounbatten-Windsor attend Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse (Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)

The new documents, released on Jan 30 by the US Department of Justice, detailed Mountbatten-Windsor's bizarre plans to abdicate from royal life. The May 8, 2011, email, which was written by 'Melanie' to the disgraced financier, read, "Stuff bad for [Andrew's] girls. Got police protection taken away. Queen [Elizabeth] said np royal list, get a job. [Sarah Ferguson] has a specific question for you. [Andrew] is sad and frustrated. Considering abdication, but he's like a zoo animal, no way, especially now, for him to thrive." The pair were discussing the aftermath of a photo that showed Mountbatten-Windsor strolling through Central Park alongside Epstein, shortly after his 2008 prison release for having indecent relations with minors.

An email between Jeffrey Epstein and a friend discussing Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. — An email between Jeffrey Epstein and a friend discussing Andrew and Sarah Ferguson (Image Source: US Department of Justice)

Furthermore, the email stated that the friend had taken her dirty washing to be done at the Yorks' Royal Lodge home. She wrote, "I hope that wasn't rude. A said yes, but S wasn't amused. I needed yoga clothes." To which, Epstein cryptically warned her, "Careful - there is a Daily Mail rat, close to him, not her. He is unaware." When she asked, "One of his staff? Who or where is the rat?" the pair was speculating about a young valet who had allegedly felt that Mountbatten-Windsor was 'abusing' his privilege.

(Melania Trump, Prince Andrew, Gwendolyn Beck, and Jeffrey Epstein at Palm Beach, Florida. Image Source: Getty Images| Davidoff Studios) — Melania Trump, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Gwendolyn Beck, and Jeffrey Epstein at Palm Beach (Image Source: Getty Images | Davidoff Studios)

Another set of emails in the files, dated September 27, 2010, showed the former Prince inviting the disgraced financier to Buckingham Palace. In it, he wrote, "I am just departing Scotland, should be down by 1800. I'll ring you when I get down if you can give me a number to ring. Alternatively, we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and have lots of privacy. A." In the past, Mountbatten-Windsor had denied being friends with Epstein and downplayed their relationship. Additionally, emails exchanged between Epstein and an account identified as 'The Duke' on August 11 and 12, 2010, showed that the disgraced financier was looking to introduce 'A' to a 26-year-old Russian woman.

As for the Queen's stance on her son's problematic friendship, royal author Robert Jobson wrote in his book, The Windsor Legacy, that she privately stood by him, long after her advisers had urged her to let go. He penned, "The late Queen, of course, adored her second son and continued to support him after his disgrace. In her final days, she kept him close, shielding him as Palace insiders continued to push for his total exile." He added, "She confided her support to a trusted confidant, 'You have to remember, he is my son.'"