Sussexes pulled back into spotlight after newly released documents revive old controversy
Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves back in the headlines over Christmas after their names appeared in newly released documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
The files, first reported by Radar Online, include internal emails discussing the huge reach of a 2020 news article that quoted Harry speaking about Prince Andrew following a prank call. The call was carried out by Russian pranksters posing as Greta Thunberg and her father.
The emails were released by the United States Department of Justice and later highlighted by The Royal Grift on YouTube. They focus on how widely the article circulated rather than on any new claims.
One message described the story as generating an estimated four million dollars in publicity value, with another noting that it may have reached more than 230 million readers. For comparison, the sender pointed out that major pieces in outlets like The Wall Street Journal or The Times usually attract far smaller audiences.
The article in question covered recorded phone calls from late 2019 and early 2020, made public later that year. In them, Harry spoke about stepping back from royal duties and stressed that he and Meghan were separate from Andrew and the wider royal family.
He reportedly said that putting family first is not always the easiest choice, but one many people around the world could understand. On Andrew’s past association with Epstein, Harry made clear that whatever Andrew had done or not done had nothing to do with him or his wife, adding that they were focused on community and inclusivity and operating independently from most of his family.
While the documents do not allege any wrongdoing by Harry or Meghan, their resurfacing has cast an unwelcome shadow over what was meant to be a quiet festive period for the couple.
