Prince Andrew may face FBI probe over Epstein after new boss vows to ‘do everything’ to expose who worked with paedo
PRINCE Andrew could face an FBI probe after the man set to be its new boss vowed to “do everything” to expose those who worked with the Duke’s pal Jeffrey Epstein.
The bombshell came as newly published emails suggested Andy was in contact with Epstein longer than he has claimed, with one note telling the financier: “We’ll play some more soon.”
And in a third blow, new details emerged of the Duke’s relationship with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo — with an aide admitting to him the 2019 BBC Newsnight interview had been “ill-advised”.
Donald Trump’s pick for FBI head, Kash Patel, has Andrew in his sights after telling a Senate hearing he is ready to investigate anyone connected to convicted paedophile Epstein, who died in 2019.
Mr Patel vowed: “Child sex trafficking has no place in the US. I will do everything to make sure the American public knows the full weight of what happened.”
Andrew, 64, paid millions to Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre in an out-of-court settlement three years ago, while denying sexual assault accusations.
He stayed at Epstein’s New York home, and was accused of taking part in an “underage orgy” on Epstein’s Caribbean island.
In 2020, the FBI asked the Home Office for help to quiz Andrew. That investigation was paused last year.
An Epstein victim told The Sun last night: “The FBI should reopen its investigation.
“Andrew has to face justice. He was friends with Epstein for years and has never answered for it. Kash Patel should release all the FBI’s files immediately.”
It comes as emails unearthed in a UK court case revealed how “a member of the British Royal Family” — believed to be Andrew — told Epstein: “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!”
The email was sent in February 2011. In his BBC Newsnight interview Andrew said he ceased contact with Epstein in December 2010 after they were pictured in New York.
The email was revealed as the Financial Conduct Authority defends an appeal by ex-Barclays Bank boss Jes Staley.
Exchanges show Epstein invited Andrew out with Mr Staley in June 2010. He referred to them being joined by “Vera”, whom he described as “my future ex-wife”.
Andrew replied he had previously met Mr Staley in a Mayfair bar and sent a later message saying he was having “dinner with Jes tomorrow”.
Then on February 27, 2011, Epstein emailed: “Jes staley will be in London on next tue afternoon, if you have time.”
Andrew responded to clarify the date. The documents say there was then a “discussion of press articles”, and the message: “We’ll play some more soon!!!!”
Andrew has to face justice. He was friends with Epstein for years and has never answered for it
Epstein victim
Separate documents released yesterday show how Andrew’s chief aide Dominic Hampshire thanked Chinese buinessman and alleged spy Yang for standing by the Duke after Newsnight.
Writing on Buckingham Palace notepaper in March 2020, Mr Hampshire told Yang: “We have dealt with the aftermath of a hugely ill-advised and unsuccessful television interview.”
He added how much his “principal” (Andrew) appreciated his (Yang’s) loyalty.
The letter, revealed as part of a UK hearing into Yang, shows he was invited to the Prince’s 60th birthday party in February 2020.
In a second letter, that October, Mr Hampshire authorised Yang to act for Andrew in China to find investors for a financial scheme.
But he added: “I ask that this relationship remains confidential and this letter is not circulated digitally. I also ask that a record be kept of who has been informed privately of this arrangement.”
On Yang’s relationship with Andrew, Mr Hampshire said: “Outside of his closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.”
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