Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has made significant claims in recently published Department of Justice transcripts, suggesting that Jeffrey Epstein may have been introduced to Princess Diana via mutual acquaintances within London’s elite circles.
In audio recordings released by the Department of Justice on August 22, 2025, Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, shared her belief that Epstein traveled to London for a meeting with Diana. The 63-year-old socialite suggested that the encounter may have been orchestrated by Rosa Monckton, whom she identified as Princess Diana’s close friend and the wife of journalist Dominic Lawson.
During a two-day interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Maxwell disclosed that Epstein attended a major event in the United Kingdom without her. She expressed uncertainty about whether Epstein and Diana sat together or had met previously, but believed Monckton facilitated the meeting. Maxwell refrained from characterizing the potential encounter, stating she did not want to speak ill of Diana.
Maxwell, convicted as an accomplice, explained that before meeting Epstein, he resided in London during the 1980s and was connected with high society figures, including Monckton and her husband. Her timeline appeared inconsistent, as she suggested the meeting occurred in the early 2000s, which would be impossible since Princess Diana died in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997.
In addition to the Diana claims, Maxwell spoke about Epstein’s links to British royalty. She denied introducing Epstein to Prince Andrew or Sarah Ferguson, labeling such claims as false. Maxwell implied that Ferguson may have first approached Epstein, possibly in the Bahamas, before Andrew met the financier at either Nantucket, Massachusetts, or Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Maxwell expressed frustration over being excluded from early meetings between Andrew and Epstein, stating, “I think Sarah is the one that pushed that,” suggesting Ferguson was attempting to pursue Epstein romantically.
The transcripts revealed Maxwell’s view on Andrew’s subsequent visits to New York, where she claimed Epstein instructed her to make arrangements. She described forming a close friendship with Andrew during these visits, noting their relationship was stronger than it had been in London.
Maxwell adamantly defended Andrew against allegations by Virginia Giuffre, who accused the prince of sexual assault when she was 17. Maxwell described any such activity occurring in her home as inconceivable and claimed the well-known photograph of Andrew with Giuffre was fabricated, insisting the entire situation was manufactured.
The released materials also included Maxwell’s observations about President Donald Trump. She informed investigators that she never saw Trump act inappropriately and did not witness any misconduct by Epstein involving Trump. Maxwell denied knowledge of Epstein’s alleged client list and did not implicate other high-profile individuals during her interview.
These revelations come as author Michael Wolff previously mentioned on a podcast that Epstein and Trump allegedly competed to see who would first be involved with Princess Diana. Wolff noted that both men viewed relationships as transactional, questioning what benefits they could gain from various individuals. No evidence suggested either man had any physical relationship with Diana.
Maxwell agreed to participate in the interview despite not testifying during her trial. Her cooperation continues as she serves her sentence for aiding Epstein’s trafficking operation. The former socialite maintains her innocence regarding the most serious accusations while providing insights into Epstein’s social connections and activities.
The Department of Justice released the comprehensive transcript and audio recordings as part of ongoing transparency efforts related to the Epstein case. The materials offer an unprecedented view into Maxwell’s perspective on Epstein’s relationships with influential figures, though her credibility remains in question given her conviction and involvement in the trafficking operation, and her reputation for lying.
Maxwell was indicted in 2020 on multiple charges, including two counts of perjury for allegedly lying under oath during 2016 depositions in a civil defamation case.
The transcript of last week’s interview with the deputy attorney general attracted attention for its dramatic, almost novelistic exchanges. However, analysts noted that Maxwell’s past credibility issues have led many to question the believability of her account despite its striking narrative style.