Their live coverage was paused for a breaking news announcement.

Sky News halted for breaking alert in bombshell Andrew announcement (Image: BBC)

Sky News halted their live broadcast as it was reported Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly invited convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to Buckingham Palace in bombshell emails released today.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the release on Friday, and explained it contained more than 3.5 million pages of records, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images related to the case. The massive dump will be the final release by the federal government, which has been scrambling to appease years-long calls for transparency in the investigation into the disgraced financier.

Among the documents is one bombshell email between Epstein and Andrew in August 2010. Host Barbara Serra spoke to US correspondent James Matthew, who read out some of the newly released emails between Epstein and Andrew in an explosive announcement. Pointing behind him on the screen was a photo of the disgraced royal alongside his late friend Epstein.

James began: “That picture of the man formerly known as Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein is there for a reason. I can read you a few email exchanges Barbara between the pair.

“This is from August 2010 and Jeffrey Epstein wrote in this email: ‘I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with… her name is [redacted].’ He names a Russian woman. She will be in London 20-24.”

US correspondent James Matthews addressed bombshell Epstein emails (Image: Sky News)

He went on: “Andrew replies, ‘Of course. I’m in Geneva until the morning of the 22nd but will be delighted to see her. Will she be bringing a message from you? Please give her my contact details to get in touch.’”

The message was signed with the initial ‘A’.

Epstein is alleged to have responded “she is 26, Russian, clever, beautiful, trustworthy,” before adding, “yes, she has your email.”

James continued: “That was one email Barbara. That same month Epstein emailed the duke at the time, ‘I’m already in London. What time would you like me and a [redacted] name. And we would also need/private time.’”

Jeffrey Epstein is a convicted sex offender (Image: Getty)

The alleged email exchange between the pair suggested Andrew invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace the following month.

The correspondent read out Andrew’s alleged reply, which said, ‘I am just departing Scotland should be down by 1800. I’ll ring you when I get down if you can give me a number to ring. Alternatively, we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy.”

James added: “Jeffrey Epstein clearly had easy access to Buckingham Palace.”

Another email appears to show Epstein organising a “facial” with an assistant for someone described as “The Duke” in November 2010.

Review, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

He concluded: “They clearly had a fairly close association.”

The former prince has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing relating to his relationship with Epstein, who killed himself in jail in 2019.