Epstein files: Key findings so far after more than three million pages released

More than three million pages related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been released, the US Department of Justice has announced. 

Email exchanges, as well as more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, are included in the new batch of files.

Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan prison cell in August 2019, shortly after he was arrested on sex trafficking charges.

High-profile figures have been named in the latest tranche of documents, but that alone does not suggest wrongdoing.

Here are the key findings from the Epstein files so far.

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Andrew pictured on all fours above a woman

Three images from the latest tranche of documents appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on all fours over a woman lying on the floor.

In two of the pictures, he appears to be touching the woman's stomach, while the other shows him looking straight at the camera.

The photos appear without explanation, date, or further context. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing.

Epstein was promised 'lots of privacy' at Buckingham Palace

Emails suggest Andrew invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace in September 2010 and promised "lots of privacy".

After Epstein requested "private time", Andrew told him "alternatively we should have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy".

In a statement issued on 17 October 2025, Andrew reiterated that he "vigorously" denies the accusations against him.

Email exchange about 'beautiful' girl

In an email exchange in August 2010, Epstein told Andrew he had "a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with" and disclosed the dates she would be in London.

Epstein said she is 26, Russian, "beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email".

Andrew has reiterated that he "vigorously" denies the accusations against him.

Sarah Ferguson: Epstein the 'brother I have always wished for'

Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, thanked Epstein for being "the brother I have always wished for" in an email sent on 3 August 2009.

She also told him that she has "never been more touched by a friend's kindness than your compliment to me in front of my girls".

In another email, Ferguson called him "my dear spectacular and special friend", before adding "you are a legend, and I am so proud of you".

Her interview with the Evening Standard on 7 March 2011 saw her apologise for accepting £15,000 from Epstein.

"I would never have anything to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again. I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children. It was a gigantic error of judgment."

Being named in these documents is not a sign of wrongdoing.

A planned visit from Elon Musk

More messages from 2013 capture Elon Musk discussing with Epstein a good date to visit him at his Caribbean island.

In the emails, the Tesla billionaire says he will be in the British Virgin Islands and St Bart's "over the holidays" and asks "is there a good time to visit?".

The disgraced financier replies that there is "always space for you" and the two go back and forth over a date, but the final details for a visit don't appear to be confirmed in the exchange.

Again, being mentioned in these files is not a sign of any wrongdoing.

Responding on his social media site, X, formerly Twitter, Elon Musk writes: "No one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and I'm glad that has finally happened.

"I had very little correspondence with Epstein and declined repeated invitations to go to his island or fly on his 'Lolita Express', but was well aware that some email correspondence with him could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name.

"I don't care about that, but what I do care about is that we at least attempt to prosecute those who committed serious crimes with Epstein, especially regarding heinous exploitation of underage girls."

In late September 2025, after newly released Epstein files showed his name or interactions in documents, Musk responded on X, posting simply: "This is false."

'Monstrous fun' with Bill Gates

In a 2011 email included in the files, Epstein told former UK cabinet minister Lord Peter Mandelson he "spent the day with Gates" in Seattle, Washington, "having monstrous fun".

Remember that being named in these documents isn't a sign of any wrongdoing.

A spokesperson for Bill Gates said: "These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false.

"The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."

Visit to Richard Branson's island

A planned visit to Richard Branson's island also appears in the latest file drop, with the Virgin mogul discussing the details with Epstein's assistant via email.

Branson is told that Epstein will bring Bill Gates' assistant, Boris Nikolic, with him. The entourage is later said to include "the 2 Russian girls".

Once more, being mentioned in these documents isn't a sign of wrongdoing.

A Virgin Group spokesperson said: "Any contact Richard and Joan Branson had with Epstein took place on only a few occasions more than twelve years ago, and was limited to group or business settings, such as a charity tennis event.

"When Epstein offered a charity donation, the Bransons asked their team to carry out due diligence before accepting the donation, which uncovered serious allegations.

"As a result of what the due diligence uncovered, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again.

"Had they had the full picture and information, there would have been no contact whatsoever - Richard believes that Epstein's actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims."

Ghislaine Maxwell's mugshot

Among the trove of files released by the US justice department is a police booking intake form for Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend who is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking.

The intake form includes pictures of Maxwell in an orange jumpsuit, with the date of arrest listed as 2 July 2020.

Maxwell appealed against her conviction to the US Supreme Court in October, but it refused to hear her case.

Epstein sent money to Lord Mandelson's husband

Epstein sent thousands of pounds to Lord Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, to help pay for his osteopathy course fees, according to emails included in the files.

Mr Avila da Silva sent Epstein an email in September 2009 about "my osteo course expenses, incl fee, anatomical models, lap top if you can help me with this".

He said the annual fee was £3,225 and went on to thank Epstein for "anything you can help me with".

Epstein replied the same day: "I will wire your loan amount immediated'y. (sic)"

In a later email, Mr Avila da Silva followed up "regarding the £10,000 with my personal bank details" and asked "if this amount includes my school fees or if the amount of £3,225 (school fee) will be sent directly to the school itself".

Epstein told him: "includedd. (sic)"

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Mr Avila da Silva later sent him another message confirming receipt of the cash: "Just a brief note to thank you for the money which arrived in my account this morning."

Lord Mandelson, the UK's former ambassador to the US, said: "I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.

"I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered."

He previously said he wished "I'd never met him [Epstein] in the first place" and called his friendship with him a "most terrible mistake".

Just being mentioned in these documents is not a sign of wrongdoing.

(c) Sky News 2026: Epstein files: Key findings so far after more than three million pages released