An email sent from an individual identified only as “A”, claiming to be staying at Balmoral Castle, has surfaced in the latest tranche of documents released as part of the Epstein files. The message, which asked Ghislaine Maxwell whether she had found “new inappropriate friends”, has reignited scrutiny of figures linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, even as the documents themselves explicitly state that the emails do not indicate wrongdoing.
The email, dated 16 August 2001, was disclosed among more than 11,000 documents released by the US Department of Justice on Tuesday. It forms part of records tied to two criminal investigations into Epstein conducted during his lifetime. The release follows a congressional mandate requiring the full disclosure of the files by 19 December.
The Email from Balmoral Epstein files: What the Document Says
The message was sent to Ghislaine Maxwell from the email address “abx17@dial.pipex.com”, under the alias “The Invisible Man”. In the opening line, the sender wrote: “I am up here at Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family.” Balmoral Castle, located in Scotland, is a private royal residence traditionally associated with the British monarch.
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The email goes on to describe a busy and exhausting routine, with references to “activities taking place all day” and the sender being “totally exhausted” by the end of each day. It also includes a line that has attracted significant attention: “How’s LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?”
The message ends with a friendly sign-off: “See ya A xxx.” Despite the language used, the documents do not contain any evidence of criminal activity connected to the email.
Maxwell’s Response and Context
Ghislaine Maxwell replied to the email on the same day, stating: “So sorry to dissapoint [sic] you, however the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends.” Her response appears to downplay or deflect the implication of the original request.
Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein, is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States after being convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking-related offences involving minors. The release of her correspondence has drawn renewed interest in her role as an intermediary between Epstein and prominent individuals.
Email Aliases and Links to the Duke of York
One of the most closely scrutinised aspects of the newly released documents is the connection between the email addresses used by “The Invisible Man” and contact information found in Epstein’s phone book. A previously released image shows the email address “aace@dial.pipex.com” listed under a contact labelled “Duke of York”.
Further correspondence published on Tuesday indicates that both “abx17@dial.pipex.com” and “aace@dial.pipex.com” were used by the same individual operating under the alias “The Invisible Man”. These exchanges span from 2001 to 2002 and include discussions of travel plans and social arrangements.
The BBC has contacted the team of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, Duke of York, for comment. He has previously denied any wrongdoing and has consistently stated that he did not witness or suspect the behaviour that led to Epstein’s arrest and conviction.
Peru Trip Emails Raise Further Questions
Another set of emails included in the release relates to a proposed trip to Peru in February 2002. In one exchange, Maxwell forwarded an email to “The Invisible Man” outlining plans suggested by an individual named “Juanesteban Ganoza”. The forwarded message mentioned activities such as lunch and horse riding.
One line in the forwarded email has drawn attention: “About the girls… how old is he? I doubt it that he will find someone here, but we can try.” While the context remains unclear, the language has fuelled further speculation, even though no criminal conduct is alleged in the documents.
A reply from “The Invisible Man”, sent from the address “aace@dial.pipex.com”, states: “As far as food is concerned I am very easy and will fit in with whatever he plans […] As for girls well I leave that entirely to you and Juan Estoban!” The email ends with: “Masses of love A xxx.”
Later Exchanges and Reference to ‘Andrew’
In a subsequent email exchange dated March 2002, Maxwell forwarded another message to “The Invisible Man” and wrote: “Thought you would like to see what I sent.” The forwarded content includes a note stating: “I just gave Andrew your telephone no [sic].”
The email continues with a reference to sightseeing, described in both literal and metaphorical terms: “Some sight seeing some 2 legged sight seeing (read intelligent pretty fun and from good families) and he will be very happy.” It also stresses discretion, noting that “He does not want to read about any trip in the papers whom or what he saw.”
The reply from “The Invisible Man” reads: “Got it I will ring him today if I can. Love you A xxx.” As with other documents in the release, the presence of these emails does not in itself constitute evidence of criminal behaviour.
Loss of Titles and Ongoing Scrutiny
In October, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lost the use of his prince and Duke of York titles following sustained public and institutional scrutiny over his association with Epstein. The controversy has continued to shadow the British royal family, particularly as further documents referencing Andrew have emerged.
The newly released files also include a formal request from the US Department of Justice, dated April 2020, seeking assistance from British authorities to interview Prince Andrew in connection with two criminal investigations, one of which related directly to Epstein.
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DOJ Request and Investigation Details
The DOJ document states that the investigation had revealed that Prince Andrew “may have been a witness to and/or participant in certain events of relevance to the ongoing investigation.” However, it also explicitly notes that he was not a target of the investigation and that no evidence had been gathered suggesting he had committed a crime under US law.
Attached to the request was a list of topics US authorities wished to cover, including the history of Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell, as well as details about any women he may have met through them.
Donald Trump Also Mentioned in Latest Release
The latest tranche of Epstein files also includes references to former US President Donald Trump. One document cites a 2020 email from an assistant US attorney suggesting that Trump had travelled on Epstein’s private jet more frequently than previously reported.
Trump has repeatedly denied travelling on Epstein’s plane. In 2024, he stated: “I was never on Epstein’s Plane.” The DOJ has clarified that some of the files released contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” involving Trump and has emphasised that inclusion in the documents does not imply guilt.
What the Epstein Files Represent
The Epstein files are a vast collection of documents compiled during criminal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The files include emails, contact lists, flight logs, and witness statements.
While the release of these documents has shed light on Epstein’s extensive network of contacts, legal experts caution against drawing conclusions solely based on appearance in the files. Many individuals named have not been accused or charged with any crime.
Public Reaction and Media Responsibility
The emergence of the Balmoral email has generated intense public interest, particularly because of its royal connection. However, journalists and legal analysts stress the importance of distinguishing between documented communications and proven criminal conduct.
Media organisations, including the BBC, have emphasised that the emails do not indicate wrongdoing. The challenge lies in reporting transparently on the contents of the files while avoiding speculation or misrepresentation.
Conclusion
The release of an email allegedly sent from Balmoral asking Ghislaine Maxwell for “inappropriate friends” underscores the continuing impact of the Epstein files on global public discourse. While the language of the correspondence is unsettling, the documents themselves stop short of alleging criminal activity.
As more files are expected to be released, scrutiny of Epstein’s associates is likely to intensify. The case continues to raise broader questions about power, accountability, and the responsibilities of institutions when confronting allegations involving influential figures.
For now, the Balmoral email stands as another fragment in a complex and deeply troubling archive — one that continues to reverberate years after Epstein’s death and Maxwell’s conviction.
