In spring 2019, Prince Andrew attended a gala in Shenzhen, China, for his start-up competition Pitch@Palace. The event showcased dancers and entertainment for investors and innovators, and would later become his last public Pitch@Palace appearance.
A lesser-known figure, David Stern, was present at the event and played a key role behind the scenes. Stern, a German businessman, acted as a conduit between Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, facilitating introductions, deals, and correspondence over nearly a decade.
Recently released US Department of Justice (DOJ) documents shed light on Stern’s extensive involvement. They reveal that Epstein initially connected Stern to the royal circle, and that Stern helped Ferguson manage debts, shared documents, pitched business opportunities, and frequently made derogatory remarks about women. In a 2011 email to Epstein, he described his role: “I stay in the background/hidden, just make the arrangements.” Stern has not responded to requests for comment.
Stern’s name appears in over 7,000 DOJ files dating from 2008 to 2018. He was based in London for much of this period, ran his own business, and often referred to Epstein as “boss.” Stern became a director of Pitch@Palace in 2016 and joined the board of the royal charity St George’s House, all while maintaining a low public profile.
Born in 1978, Stern studied Law and Chinese Law at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He also studied in Taiwan and China, speaks fluent Mandarin, and worked at Ermgassen & Co before founding a Beijing-based IT healthcare company, Asia Gateway. He sold a majority stake in Asia Gateway to UK firm Informa in 2010, though no product reached market before the agreement ended in 2014.
The DOJ files show Stern’s earliest contact with Epstein was in May 2008, regarding a China-focused private equity fund. Their relationship continued even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Emails indicate Stern repeatedly sought Epstein’s approval, calling him “my mentor” and “my general,” while frequently referencing women with the abbreviation “P.” In 2010, Stern suggested visiting Epstein’s Caribbean island, Little Saint James, where many of Epstein’s crimes occurred, though it is unclear if he ever went.
Stern met Andrew and Sarah Ferguson through Epstein. A 2010 email from Ferguson mentions: “I was introduced to David Stern by Jeffrey. He came to Royal Lodge for dinner. He has been helping me a great deal with an ear and advice to my way ahead. He has a great roladex [sic] for China.” This highlights Stern’s role as a behind-the-scenes facilitator connecting Epstein to the royal family.
