An email suggested the late Queen’s views on her son’s friendship with the convicted paedophile.Investec Derby Festival: Derby Day

The Queen called her son’s relationship with Epstein ‘unwise’ (Image: Getty)

A recently discovered email reveals Queen Elizabeth’s one-word reaction to her son Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.

In an email, the day after the second photograph was published, Andrew said to Epstein, “We are in this together”.

Now, in the most recent release of the US Government documents, an email between a close adviser and Epstein reveals what the late Queen thought about her son’s connections with the convicted paedophile.

David Stern wrote to Epstein: “He has full support of his mum, only dealing with you was ‘unwise’,” with quote marks implying that Mr Stern is quoting the opinion of Queen Elizabeth, reports ITV

The interaction, taking place March 9, 2011, was just three months following Andrew’s controversial Newsnight interview, where he claimed he travelled to New York, and stayed with Epstein to let him know in person that their friendship had to come to an end, adding that it was the “honourable” thing to do.

In 2019, the late Queen did authorise Andrew to step down as a working member of the firm, though he kept his Prince title and remained the Duke of York. It was only in October 2025 that King Charles made the decision to strip him of his royal titles.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and a young Virginia Giuffre

Virginia Giuffre accused the ex-prince of sexual abuse (Image: US District Court – Southern Dis)

Even amid all of Andrew’s reputation falling apart, Queen Elizabeth chose Andrew to walk with her to the remembrance service for her husband, Prince Philip, at Westminster Abbey, conveying support between the mother and son.

It is also widely understood that Queen Elizabeth privately funded Andrew’s reported £12 million payment to his accuser, the late Virginia Giuffre.

Mr Stern also appeared to have been issuing updates to Epstein about what was happening in the palace, including a day after Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee in 2012, where the late Queen had chosen just five members of the Royal Family to stand with her, which were Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate, and Prince Harry.

Mr Stern wrote: “Great events with PA these last few days. Very interesting since his mummy only appeared with her eldest & his family. Changing times as we expect”.