According to newly released files related to Jeffrey Epstein, an aide to Prince Andrew, David Stern, provided advice to Epstein on how to hide his 2008 child sexual abuse conviction while applying for a visa to China. This guidance came after Epstein's initial visa application was rejected, and Stern suggested that Epstein's assistant omit details regarding previous criminal charges when submitting the application to the Chinese embassy in Paris. Although this advice was shared in a 2012 email chain, it's important to note that there is no indication that Prince Andrew himself was aware of this counsel.

Epstein, a notorious financier who was convicted in the United States for soliciting minors for sex, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 after pleading guilty to his charges. His connections to high-profile individuals, including Prince Andrew, have long raised questions and scrutiny regarding the actions taken by those in Epstein's circle, especially regarding their potential complicity or silence in the face of his notorious criminal activities. Though Epstein appeared to have had a plan to visit Beijing, it is unclear whether this endeavor came to fruition.

The revelation of Stern's advice highlights the darker undercurrents of wealth and influence, suggesting that powerful individuals may exploit legal loopholes or circumvent justice. This situation underlines not only the ongoing ramifications of Epstein's actions but also the significant implications for public figures who associate with him. As discussions around accountability and justice for survivors of abuse persist, these disclosures provoke further scrutiny over the ethical responsibilities of those in elite social circles.