The emails, dated between 2010 and 2011 and released on January 30 as part of a massive document dump, include references to Christmas cards and photographs allegedly sent from an account identified as “HRH The Duke of York.” According to the records, the images featured Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at public events, including a Mont Blanc climb and a charity cycling ride. At the time the photos were shared, Beatrice was 23 and Eugenie was 21.

The disclosures contradict Prince Andrew’s earlier claims that he severed all contact with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Buckingham Palace has not issued an immediate response to the latest claims.

The files have also revived allegations involving a woman who has accused Epstein of trafficking her to Prince Andrew. Her lawyer told the BBC that she was forced to travel to Andrew’s Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, where she was compelled to have sexual relations with him. Andrew has consistently denied the allegation, which echoes claims previously made by Virginia Giuffre, who accused the prince of sexually abusing her in 2001 when she was 17. Andrew settled Giuffre’s civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting liability.

Political pressure has mounted following the release. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly urged Prince Andrew to cooperate with US authorities and testify if summoned. The Justice Department files include references to Epstein arranging meetings between Andrew and young women, further fuelling calls for accountability.

The controversy comes amid reports that Princess Eugenie has distanced herself from her father in recent months, reflecting growing unease within the royal family. In October last year, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles and patronages and asked him to vacate Royal Lodge, effectively ending his public role within the monarchy.

Epstein, who maintained relationships with powerful figures across politics, business and royalty, died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. The latest disclosures underscore how Epstein’s network continues to cast a long shadow, with implications still unfolding for those once linked to him.