Royal Ties to Epstein: 'My Crazy Friend' Emails Reveal Uncomfortable Proximity
In a stunning development, newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have shed light on the close relationships between various royal families and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These revelations are causing significant upheaval, as relatives and government officials scramble to distance themselves from those who maintained uncomfortably close contact with Epstein.
Fresh Evidence of Royal Connections
The documents, released on Friday, provide fresh evidence of how some royal family members and their associates repeatedly ignored Epstein's sleazy reputation. Instead, they showered him with praise and made requests for money, gifts, and attention. Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, used his wealth and access to girls and women to build relationships with powerful, wealthy individuals.
Hundreds of newly released texts, emails, photos, and videos illustrate how Epstein extended this coziness to royals and those in their orbit. He purportedly paid off debts, provided temporary apartments, flew them on private jets, and hosted them at his homes. In return, some correspondents appeared unbothered by his 2008 criminal conviction, though the files do not prove they knew of his other illegal activities.
Specific Cases Highlighted
Among the most striking examples is a British ex-duchess who called Epstein the "brother I always wished for." Norway's future queen, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wrote "I miss my crazy friend" after his trafficking crimes were well known. In a 2012 email, she apparently said, "You r such a sweetheart." Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store acknowledged that the crown princess had "exercised poor judgment."
In Saudi Arabia, Raafat Al-Sabbagh, an adviser to the royal court and close associate of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, exchanged crude messages with Epstein. In one, Al-Sabbagh wrote, "I am sure you are opening so many legs there," while Epstein was in Florida. Their correspondence, mostly from 2016 and 2017, shows Epstein offering connections in Silicon Valley and advice on politics and oil markets.
Historical Context and Reactions
Ed Owens, a royal historian, commented, "You get the impression that he was an extraordinarily transactional guy, purchasing influence in high places. This was essentially Epstein using his personal financial means to buy influence with key figures." He added that some royals allowed businesslike relationships to become friendships, which made Epstein a useful ally.
The communications also include suggestive references to Epstein's pursuit of younger women. In one email, Epstein mentioned meeting two Norwegians, ages 24 and 25, to which the crown princess replied, "The girls are 24 & 25? I like Oslo too."
Broader Implications and Fallout
In Britain, the royal family has long dealt with the repercussions of Epstein's friendship with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his titles by King Charles III. Newly revealed emails show Epstein likely paid for flights for Sarah Ferguson, his ex-wife, and her daughters. In 2010, Ferguson called him "a legend" and joked, "Just marry me." Epstein even suggested she release a statement calling him "not a pedo," though there's no evidence she did.
The documents undercut previous public explanations about these relationships. Ferguson had apologized in 2011 for her "terrible error of judgment" but continued emailing Epstein afterward. Princess Mette-Marit stated she takes "responsibility for not having investigated Epstein's background more thoroughly" and regrets the contact.
Conclusion
These revelations add to existing scandals, such as the trial of the crown princess's son in a rape case. The Epstein files expand the list of his acquaintances to include royals, highlighting a pattern of transactional relationships that have left royal families in turmoil. As the world digests these details, the focus remains on accountability and the ongoing impact on victims.
