Jeffrey Epstein blamed 'Charles' on the very day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to step down as Britain's trade envoy, emails have revealed.
On 21 July, 2011 – as it was publicly announced that the then-Prince would quit his role as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment – the convicted sex offender wrote: 'I assume he knows that this is Charles doing.'
The message was sent in response to an associate who had told him: 'Lots of TV coverage on PA and always big feature on you. Insane.'
It is understood that 'PA' refers to Prince Andrew.
At the time, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment for a decade, from 2001 to 2011.
The high-profile role gave him access to senior government figures and powerful business leaders around the world.
He stepped back from the post amid growing scrutiny and criticism over his continued relationship with Epstein, the US financier and convicted sex offender.
A photograph of the pair walking together in New York had already made headlines in the months leading up to his departure, intensifying public pressure.
Jeffrey Epstein blamed 'Charles' on the very day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to step down as Britain's trade envoy, emails have revealed
This photograph of the pair walking together in New York had already made headlines in the months leading up to his departure, intensifying public pressure. Pictured: Andrew (left) and Epstein (right)
Andrew and King Charles. Epstein blamed the King for Andrew being forced to step down from the role of trade envoy
The emails are among three million files released by the US Department of Justice, which offer fragments of private conversations from the period when Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein's association was attracting global attention some 15 years ago.
Epstein spent much of the day emailing contacts about the news that Andrew had lost his official trade role.
In another message, Epstein wrote: 'I'm sure this is good for him, he will now be free.'
He also forwarded a news article about Andrew stepping down to Ghislaine Maxwell, who replied simply: 'why?'
Epstein responded: 'I think he wants to make money.'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now 66, was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of leaking secrets to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
He was released under investigation after spending 11 hours in custody, and police last night confirmed they had concluded searches of his former Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now 66, was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Pictured leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk
One image in particular in the Epstein Files shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor looming over a young woman sprawled on the floor
The Epstein files have triggered outrage around the world, with photographic evidence among the most shocking material in the vast cache of documents.
One image in particular shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor looming over a young woman sprawled on the floor - a photograph that has proved more damaging to him than any other in the release.
The 66-year-old's arrest marked the first time a member of the Royal Family has been detained since 1647.
He was originally handed the prestigious trade envoy role in 2001, following the end of his 22-year Royal Navy career, in what was billed as a fresh start.
For more than a decade, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor travelled extensively, forging controversial relationships and spending heavily on overseas trips funded by the taxpayer.
His fondness for long-haul flights - often to ski resorts and elite golfing destinations - earned him the nickname Air Miles Andy.
He was ultimately forced to step down in July 2011 after months of public outcry over his links to Epstein.
