Newly-released emails from the US Department of Justice appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor expressed eagerness to visit Jeffrey Epstein and "pay homage to his new life" hours after the convicted sex offender completed his house arrest in July 2010.
The disgraced former royal appears to describe Epstein's release as "really, really good news" in emails that show him swiftly turning to discussions of multi-billion-pound business opportunities and introductions to younger women through the paedophile financier.
Epstein had served 18 months in prison from July 2009 after pleading guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor, followed by a year of house arrest at his Palm Beach residence.
The email exchange began on 24 July 2010, just one day after Epstein regained his freedom.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appeared eager to meet Jeffrey Epstein after he completed house arrest
|GETTY
Epstein initiated contact by informing Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson that he would be travelling to Paris the following day.
An individual writing from an account labelled "The Duke", believed to be Andrew, responded with congratulations, noting he had been told of Epstein's release and enquiring about the Paris trip duration.
The financier replied enthusiastically about business prospects, stating his associates were "super flush with cash" and had "nothing to do", specifically mentioning that one was "sitting with 20 billion dollars, and hungry for reals".
The former Duke of York seemingly reveals his own commercial ambitions, seemingly responding: "And as far as things to do I have, with DS, a good brain to make things happen. Even looking at purchases from government of up to £3B each."
He appears to sign the message "HRH The Duke of York KG".
Approximately two weeks after this exchange, Epstein arranged an introduction between Andrew and a young Russian woman.
On August 11, 2010, the financier emailed Andrew, suggesting he might "enjoy having dinner" with a friend of his.
Andrew seemed to accept the following day, explaining he would be in Geneva until August 22 but would be "delighted to see her", asking whether she would be "bringing a message" from Epstein and requesting his contact details be passed along.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was seemingly in contact with Epstein hours after his release
| GETTYEpstein described the woman as "26 russian clever beautiful trustworthy", confirming she already had Andrew's email address.
The former royal responded: "That was quick! How are you? Good to be free?"
These communications took place just months before the now-infamous photograph of Andrew and Epstein strolling through Central Park in New York was captured in December 2010.
The former royal was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid allegations he passed sensitive information to Epstein while serving as Britain's trade envoy.
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The former prince has previously denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein and rejected any suggestion he used his time as trade envoy to further his own interests.
King Charles responded to his brother's detention with an unprecedented statement expressing his "deepest concern" and confirming "wholehearted support and co-operation" with investigators, declaring: "The law must take its course."
Buckingham Palace was reportedly unaware the arrest would take place.
A timeline of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. | GB NEWSThe Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to back the King's position.
These emails directly contradict claims Andrew made during his 2019 Newsnight interview, when he insisted his December 2010 visit to Epstein's New York mansion was intended to end their relationship.
He acknowledged at the time he had "let the side down".
GB News has contacted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for comment.
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