Home > FEATURES & SCANDALS

Epstein Thought King Charles Pushed Andrew Out of Trade Envoy Role: 'He'll Now Be Free'

King Charles departs Sandringham Church; (Inset 1) A mugshot of Jeffrey Epstein; (Inset 2) Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Stephen Pond; (Inset 1) Kypros; (Inset 2) Max Mumby/Indigo
King Charles departs Sandringham Church; (Inset 1) A mugshot of Jeffrey Epstein; (Inset 2) Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Stephen Pond; (Inset 1) Kypros; (Inset 2) Max Mumby/Indigo
Feb. 26 2026, Published 06:42 AM. ET
Link to Facebook Share to X Share to Flipboard Share to Email

With each passing day, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor finds himself further embroiled in trouble due to his past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. The latest tranche of three million files released by the US Department of Justice has only added more fuel to the fire. Now, another concerning correspondence has resurfaced, suggesting that Epstein felt the ex-Duke being removed from his role as a UK trade envoy in 2011 was orchestrated by the then-Prince Charles. It poses the question: Did Charles know of his brother's alleged misuse of power?

Jeffrey Epstein talking about King Charles in an email. (Image source: US Department of Justice)
Jeffrey Epstein talking about King Charles in an email. (Image source: US Department of Justice)

The email presents the disgraced financier venting his frustrations regarding the ex-Duke’s involuntary departure from his position as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment. On July 21, 2011, when Mountbatten-Windsor’s exit was officially confirmed, Epstein allegedly sent an email pointing the finger directly at Charles. “I assume he knows that this is Charles' doing,” Epstein wrote. The message was reportedly sent in response to a contact who had noted the media firestorm surrounding the former Prince, writing, “Lots of TV coverage on PA and always big feature on you. Insane.”

At the time of these exchanges, Mountbatten-Windsor had served a decade in the high-profile envoy role, which granted him access to global government officials and business leaders. However, mounting pressure over his ties with Epstein ultimately made his position untenable. While the official narrative framed his resignation as a mutual decision, Epstein’s private email suggests he saw it as a calculated move by Charles. In other exchanges within the disclosures, the late financier seemed to view the ex-Duke’s loss of the envoy role as a perfect opportunity for him to pursue private wealth.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales arrive for the second day of Royal Ascot 2006, at Ascot Racecourse on June 21, 2006 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and King Charles arrive for the second day of Royal Ascot 2006, at Ascot Racecourse on June 21, 2006, in Ascot. (Image Source: Getty Images | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

In another email, Epstein wrote, “I'm sure this is good for him; he will now be free.” When Ghislaine Maxwell allegedly questioned the development, asking, “Why?”, Epstein responded, “I think he wants to make money.”

The timing of these correspondences resurfacing couldn't be worse. The former Prince was arrested on the morning of his 66th birthday, February 19, at the King’s Norfolk estate, where he is temporarily residing at Wood Farm Cottage. He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the discovery of emails suggesting he shared confidential trade details with Epstein within seconds of receiving them. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. 

Despite the media scrutiny, Charles has taken a firm stance on the legal proceedings involving his disgraced brother. In a statement issued shortly after the arrest, the monarch emphasized, “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities….Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.” The monarch also noted that the investigators have the family’s ‘wholehearted support and co-operation.’ 

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Antony Jones/Getty Images)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024, in Windsor. (Image Source: Getty Images | Antony Jones)

While the mere appearance of a name in the Epstein files does not indicate misconduct, the newly released documents do highlight the degree to which the disgraced financier felt entitled to comment on — and perhaps influence — the ex-Duke’s career trajectory. 

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories