He even had a modem number for the Duke of York in his infamous address book, it was alleged. The two men met at least 10 times over the course of 12 years, with Andrew “often staying for days” at Epstein’s mansions and private Caribbean island, according to the Channel 4 programme. The show features claims from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who alleges the Prince had sex with her when she was 17. Andrew has vehemently denied this.

Royal heartbreak: How Prince Andrew was saved in ‘hour of need’

Epstein was found hanged in his jail cell in August, aged 66.

Tonight’s Dispatches special, The Prince And The Paedophile, includes an interview with former Florida police sergeant Mike Fisten, now a private investigator working for a lawyer representing several of Epstein’s alleged victims.

He discovered the wealthy financier’s address book, described as “a vital source of evidence”, during a search of his Palm Beach estate.

Mr Fisten said: “The book was a treasure trove of Jeffrey’s activities. It showed us the scope of his travels, girls and contacts.

“For instance, if looking at the section in London, you could pick out the Duke of York.

“He had 13 numbers to contact the Duke and these numbers went everywhere: [royal residences] Wood Farm and Sunninghill numbers, the Palace, his home number, his home e-mail. He even had a phone number for his modem.”

Of his decade-long probe into Epstein and his rich and powerful friends, Fisten declares: “When people tell me, ‘I didn’t know what Jeffrey was about’ I don’t want to say BS. I’ll just say hogwash.