Newly released emails from the US Department of Justice have uncovered a startling accusation from Jeffrey Epstein: on July 21, 2011—the exact day it was publicly announced that Prince Andrew would step down as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment—Epstein allegedly blamed “Charles” for the decision. In a message to an associate, Epstein wrote: “I assume he knows that this is Charles’ doing.” The comment, part of a broader trove of communications released in recent weeks, has intensified scrutiny on the long-standing tensions between the brothers and added fuel to ongoing investigations into Andrew’s activities during his decade-long tenure in the role.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, Duke of York, served as the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. The unpaid position allowed him to travel extensively, meeting business leaders and government officials to promote British commerce abroad. His appointment came during a period when the royal family sought to modernize its public role, with Andrew leveraging his military background and global connections. However, the role became increasingly controversial, particularly after his close association with Jeffrey Epstein surfaced in the late 2000s.

Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in custody in 2019, maintained a lengthy friendship with Andrew, including multiple visits to the prince’s residence and shared social circles. Emails already released show Andrew forwarding what appeared to be confidential government briefings on investment opportunities in countries like Afghanistan to Epstein, prompting questions about whether sensitive material was shared inappropriately. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting his interactions were limited to legitimate business discussions.

The 2011 email, however, marks a direct accusation from Epstein himself. Sent amid intense media pressure following Epstein’s 2008 conviction and Andrew’s continued association with him, the message suggests Epstein believed Charles—then Prince of Wales—played a decisive role in forcing Andrew out. Royal experts note that Charles had reportedly expressed private concerns about Andrew’s judgment and public image for years, particularly as the Epstein scandal grew. While no evidence has emerged showing Charles directly intervened in the trade envoy decision—handled by government officials—the claim has revived speculation about family dynamics.

Andrew resigned on July 21, 2011, issuing a statement that cited the “current situation” surrounding his association with Epstein as incompatible with continuing in the role. The decision came after sustained criticism from MPs, media, and some within the royal household. He retained his titles and military affiliations at the time, though many were later stripped in 2022 amid further Epstein-related fallout.

The timing of Epstein’s email—identical to the resignation announcement—has raised eyebrows. Epstein was in regular contact with Andrew’s circle during this period, including through mutual associates like Ghislaine Maxwell. Royal commentator Charles Rae, speaking on GB News, questioned how Epstein would possess such insider knowledge without direct input from Andrew himself. “What Charles has got to do with this I just don’t know,” Rae said. “I cannot believe that the then Prince of Wales had any say in it.” Yet the accusation persists in public discourse, especially as Andrew faces renewed legal scrutiny.

In February 2026, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to sharing confidential documents with Epstein during his envoy tenure. He was questioned for 11 hours and released under investigation, with no charges filed at that stage. The arrest followed the release of additional Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, including the emails now under examination. British authorities have since searched properties linked to Andrew, and MPs have unanimously called for the declassification of further records from his trade envoy appointment, including vetting documents and correspondence involving figures like Peter Mandelson.

The “Charles” reference has intensified debate about the brothers’ relationship. King Charles III has maintained a public stance of distance from Andrew’s controversies, stripping his titles and military roles in 2022 and reportedly reducing his financial support. Private reports suggest long-standing frictions, with Charles viewing Andrew’s associations as damaging to the monarchy’s reputation. Epstein’s accusation, whether accurate or speculative, feeds into narratives of internal royal pressure to sideline Andrew after the Epstein scandal became untenable.

Epstein’s own motives in the email remain unclear. Some analysts suggest he may have been deflecting blame or stirring drama among his contacts. Others see it as evidence of his perceived influence within elite circles, including the royal family. Regardless, the claim has reignited calls for full transparency into Andrew’s envoy period. The UK government has committed to releasing relevant files, though no specific timeline has been given due to the active police investigation.

For the public, the revelation adds another layer to an already complex saga. Andrew’s trade envoy role was intended to boost British exports, but critics long argued it provided cover for personal networking that sometimes blurred lines between public duty and private gain. Whistleblowers from the period have alleged excessive spending on travel and questionable expenses, though no formal charges have resulted from those claims.

As investigations continue, Epstein’s words from 2011 linger as a provocative footnote. Whether they reflect reality or resentment, they underscore the deep fractures within the royal family that the Epstein scandal helped expose. For Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now living quietly on the Sandringham estate, the past continues to cast a long shadow—one that even a convicted predator’s email can still lengthen.