Epstein Files expose Andrew’s China trip and a mystery dinner guest
Police chiefs and ministers are facing mounting pressure to launch a full investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as the UK’s trade envoy after new revelations tied to Jeffrey Epstein were published by The Mail on Sunday.
A dossier compiled by the newspaper claims the former prince used his taxpayer-funded position in ways that may have benefited Epstein’s business interests, raising fresh questions about whether Andrew abused his public role and gave Epstein access to confidential information.
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The Mail on Sunday reports that included in the Epstein Files are emails showing Andrew allowed the convicted sex offender to organize meetings for him during an official trade mission to China. New photographs hidden in the documents also show Andrew socializing with a glamorous Chinese model at a secret dinner in Beijing during a ten-day trip where he was meant to be representing the UK.
Before the dinner, emails show Andrew’s adviser, businessman David Stern, described the woman in offensive terms.
Thames Valley Police is already assessing allegations that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein, but has not yet launched a criminal investigation.
Former Business Secretary Vince Cable told the MoS: ‘Of course there should be an inquiry – it’s disgraceful behaviour. The main issue is whether this is a police matter and it is for them and the director of public prosecutions to decide. But undoubtedly this is very, very bad behaviour.’
Read More: New Epstein emails reveal Andrew entertained Epstein and four women at Buckingham Palace
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: ‘Andrew has sold our country down the river every chance he gets. It’s high time spineless Keir Starmer actually does something and investigates the full extent of the damage he’s done to Britain’s security.’
A Labour aide said: ‘Andrew’s behaviour as trade envoy is a complete betrayal. He has dragged Britain’s name through the mud. There needs to be an investigation to find out the full extent of damage he has caused. The Prime Minister should get on the front foot and give him both barrels.’
Royal author Andrew Lownie added: ‘It really is time that there was a parliamentary inquiry into the former Prince Andrew’s time as a trade envoy and how he personally enriched himself and his business cronies.’
Andrew served as a roving trade ambassador from 2001 to 2011, promoting British business through taxpayer-funded overseas trips. But emails cited by the MoS suggest Stern, an adviser to both Andrew and Epstein, was asked to help plan a September 2010 official visit to China. Stern then told Epstein he would insert meetings requested by him.
More: New Epstein Files Fuel allegations that Ex-Prince Andrew met second woman at Royal Lodge
Writing to Epstein, Stern said: ‘Based on your request I will NOT suggest industry ministries’ instead focussing on ‘financial/asset management’.
Another email shows Epstein arranged a dinner for Andrew at Beijing’s St Regis hotel with Jes Staley, a senior JP Morgan banker. Epstein instructed Stern: ‘Confirm with Andrew.’
Emails also show Andrew insisted the first four days of the visit be ‘private’. Stern later sent Epstein photos of Andrew meeting multiple young women, though there is no suggestion any were victims of Epstein or Andrew.
The MoS reports Stern later sought business deals involving billionaire Chinese media mogul Bruno Wu and wrote about “wealth management for Chinese.”
An adviser to a Middle Eastern government also claimed Epstein bragged about sensitive information from UK insiders, saying: ‘I’ve got the UK sewn up’.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: ‘We continue to assess all relevant information and have no further comment at this time.’