Epstein emails raise questions over role of Andrew's palace aide

Newly revealed emails suggest that Amanda Thirsk, a former top aide to Prince Andrew, invited the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to a high-profile dinner at Windsor Castle in March 2017 to discuss philanthropic initiatives. The correspondence, which surfaced as part of ongoing scrutiny into the Duke of York’s social circles, indicates that Epstein was invited to the royal residence years after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. This communication raises significant questions regarding the level of access the disgraced financier maintained within the British monarchy long after his criminal history became public knowledge. The emails specifically outline an invitation sent by Thirsk, who served as Prince Andrew’s private secretary, for a gathering intended to support a project known as 'Pitch@Palace.' At the time, the royal household was seeking to connect with wealthy donors and influential figures to bolster the Prince's entrepreneurial scheme. The invitation reportedly welcomed Epstein to join a private dinner in the castle's state rooms, highlighting a level of hospitality that contradicts previous suggestions that the Duke had severed ties with Epstein following his release from prison. Legal experts and royal commentators suggest that these revelations place further pressure on Buckingham Palace to clarify the vetting processes used for royal guests during that period. While Prince Andrew has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes or participation in any illegal activity, the persistence of their professional and social link continues to generate public backlash. Thirsk, who left her royal role following the fallout from the Duke's controversial 2019 BBC interview, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the specific nature of these 2017 communications. This development follows a series of disclosures from the United States court system relating to Epstein’s vast network of powerful associates. As investigators continue to piece together the timeline of Epstein’s international influence, the role of palace insiders like Thirsk remains a focal point for those seeking accountability. The documentation serves as a reminder of the proximity between the convicted financier and the highest levels of the British establishment, even during the final years before his second arrest and subsequent death in 2019.