The controversy surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continues to widen – and to affect major figures in Europe. 

As reporters worldwide continue to pore over the latest tranche of three million files released by the US Department of Justice relating to the convicted sex offender, research is exposing various connections with famous Europeans – some of whom have already been linked to Epstein, but with some new names in the mix. 

It's important to say that being present in the Epstein files is not necessarily proof of any illegality, and the people involved have often denied any knowledge of Epstein's activities. 

But in some cases, their proximity to one of the most notorious and noxious names of the century is causing repercussions – including resignations. 

Here are some of the high-profile Europeans whose names have surfaced – or resurfaced – since last Friday's fresh tranche of files were released.

The UK's former Prince Andrew

Now officially known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced former prince invited Epstein to visit him at Buckingham Palace in September 2010 while the financier was making a trip to London.

An email exchange shows Epstein contacting the then Prince Andrew to ask: "What time would you like me... we will also need... private time."

Mountbatten-Windsor replied: "we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy."

Mountbatten-Windsor made the offer after Epstein proposed a month earlier introducing him to a 26-year-old Russian woman, according to the documents.

The former prince said he "would be delighted to see her," although there is no suggestion in the material that any meeting took place.

The latest tranche of files also included new images of Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over an unidentified female lying over the floor. 

Following the new revelations, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Mountbatten-Windsor should testify before a US congressional committee.

"Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that," said Starmer, who was the UK's Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013. "You can't be victim-centered if you're not prepared to do that."

Norway's crown princess Mette-Marit

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Monday that the Nordic country's crown princess, Mette-Marit, displayed poor judgement in having contacts with Epstein.

Friday's newly-released files included extensive email correspondence between Mette-Marit and Epstein – after he was found guilty of child sex crimes in 2008.

On Saturday, Mette-Marit, the spouse of the heir to the throne Haakon, apologized for maintaining contacts, saying she showed poor judgement. On Monday, Stoere agreed with her.

"I am really using her own words. She says she has showed bad judgement. I agree and I think it is worth saying that when I am asked my opinion about this," Stoere told reporters.

In a statement, Mette-Marit said "I must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein's background more thoroughly, and for not realising sooner what kind of person he was.

"I deeply regret this, and it is a responsibility I must bear. I showed poor judgement and regret having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing."

The prime minister added that Mette-Marit, and other prominent Norwegians who were named in the latest Epstein documents published, should provide more details about their involvement with Epstein.

"We have seen that the information that has emerged has shed more light on the matter than what has been said before," Stoere said. "It may perhaps be reasonable to say that they should explain the extent of the contacts that have taken place."

The UK's former Duchess of York

Sarah Ferguson, who was married to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor when he was a prince, called late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein a "legend" and the "brother I have always wished for", according to documents in the latest tranche.

While Epstein's friendship with Mountbatten-Windsor has been in the spotlight for years, the latest emails appear to shine a new light on the extent of Ferguson's ties.

"I have never been more touched by a friends (sic) kindness than your compliment to me in front of my girls," Ferguson, nicknamed "Fergie", wrote in an email dated August 2009 – again, after Epstein was convicted for procuring a minor for prostitution.

"Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for," added the email from "Sarah", although the email address is redacted as in the other exchanges.

Slovakia's national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's national security adviser resigned after new files showed he had exchanged emails with Epstein talking about young women.

National security adviser Miroslav Lajcak – who served as President of the United Nations General Assembly in 2017-2018 – issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and condemning Epstein's crimes. 

He described the exchange as informal and light-hearted and without any real substance, but said he would offer his resignation so the situation would not be used to attack the prime minister.

"Not because of having done anything criminal or unethical in my actions, but I don't want him (Fico) to bear the political costs for something that's unrelated to his decisions," he said.

Fico announced in a video message on Facebook on Saturday he had accepted Lajcak's resignation.

Former UK minister and ambassador Peter Mandelson

Former British government minister Peter Mandelson resigned as a member of Starmer's Labour Party after new reports of his ties with Epstein.

Mandelson, fired by Starmer as Britain's ambassador to the United States last year after previous revelations about his connections to Epstein, said he did not wish to cause "further embarrassment" to Labour.

"I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this," Mandelson said in a letter to the Labour Party which was shared with British media.

Mandelson said he believed that allegations about financial payments to him by Epstein, which were published by British media based on files released by the US Justice Department, were false and said he would investigate them. 

"While doing this I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party," the letter said.

Billionaire British businessman Richard Branson

Files show friendly relations between the two billionaires.

Branson wrote in an email sent to Epstein on Sept 11, 2013: "It was really nice seeing you yesterday. The boys in Watersports can't stop speaking about it! Any time you're in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!"

A spokesperson for Branson's company said that "any contact Richard and Joan Branson had with Epstein took place on only a few occasions more than 12 years ago, and was limited to group or business settings, such as a charity tennis event.

"Richard believes that Epstein's actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims."

The spokesperson added Branson would never have used the term "harem" if the full facts had been known and was repeating a phrase used by Epstein.