Who is the mysterious German businessman named in 7,461 of the Epstein files?

An undercover German business consultant is at the center of Andrew and Epstein’s relationship and is apparently a friend of Sarah Ferguson.

David Stern, an elusive figure with little online presence, appears in 7,461 documents in the latest Epstein files, including a photograph of him with the former Duke and Duchess of York.

Stern, 48, has emerged as a close aide to Andrew and Epstein, referring to the latter as ‘the boss’ and forwarding hundreds of messages between the pair about potential business deals.

He also helped organize their private lives, and in 2013 was tasked by Epstein with arranging a date between Andrew and an attractive female acquaintance visiting London. ‘A very beautiful friend of mine is coming [sic]… Andrew might want to invite him to dinner,” Epstein wrote.

In 2014, Stern emailed a photo of a naked woman with champagne poured over her as part of her birthday message to Epstein. Later in the day he wrote: ‘PA [Prince Andrew] Sending birthday wishes and love.’

Two years later, Stern was hired by Epstein to look after his girlfriend, 26-year-old Belarusian Karyna Shuliak. ‘Karyna… and Jen, the tall girl you met, will be in London… They’ve never been there before… I’d appreciate any help you could give them.’ Their trip appears to have included a visit to Buckingham Palace.

Stern, who asked Mr. Epstein to be his child’s godfather, met regularly with Ms. Ferguson and also tried to reach an agreement for her to become a paid ambassador for the Cunard cruise line.

Andrew made her the director of Pitch@Palace, his Dragons’ Den-style business venture, and introduced her to the late Queen Elizabeth, who sat next to him at an event at St James’s Palace.

Emails show Stern joined Andrew on government trade envoy visits to Asia.

He was also given a seat on the board of St George’s House Trust, a charity founded by Prince Philip.