Her spokesperson later clarified that the message was sent in response to a defamation threat from Epstein. In a 2025 statement, they said she “spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims”.
“Like many people, she was taken in by his lies,” the statement added. “As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with paedophilia.
“She does not resile from anything she said then. This email was sent in the context of advice the Duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats.”
Though Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are not accused of wrongdoing, they are mentioned in peripheral correspondence. Andrew sent Epstein photographs of his daughters between 2011 and 2012, including Christmas cards, a picture of Beatrice climbing Mont Blanc, and one of Eugenie on a charity bike ride.
