A German countess with deep connections in business and elite circles resigned from a prominent British cancer charity board this week after newly released files tied her to years of correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Nicole Junkermann stepped down from her role at the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and also left her position as a visiting professor amid rising public scrutiny. The resignation comes as fresh documents from the US Department of Justice exposed extensive email exchanges between Junkermann and Epstein, prompting questions about judgment and associations at the highest levels.
Who is Countess Nicole Junkermann?
Countess Nicole Junkermann is a German-born investor and entrepreneur who founded NJF Holdings, a global investment firm focusing on technology, biotech and finance. She has lived and worked in London, building a profile as a business leader and public figure.
In late 2023, she was named a trustee of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, a British charity that raises funds for the Royal Marsden Hospital, one of the UK’s leading specialist cancer treatment centres.
The charity is closely associated with the British royal family. Prince William has been president of the hospital for years, and, since 2025, both he and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have served as joint patrons of the charity. She was also appointed as a visiting professor at Lancaster University in 2025, a role meant to leverage her experience in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Why Did Countess Nicole Junkermann Resign from the Royal Marsden Charity?
Junkermann’s resignation came after a tranche of documents known as the Epstein files was released by the US Department of Justice. These files include thousands of pages of emails and records showing Junkermann and Epstein exchanged messages over nearly two decades, even after his 2008 conviction for procuring minors for prostitution.
In one email, Junkermann expressed personal warmth toward Epstein, addressing him affectionately. Another document reportedly revealed she sent him a message titled, “Will you have a baby with me?” in 2010, highlighting the personal nature of their communications.
The public and media attention around these revelations has intensified scrutiny of everyone named in the files, prompting Junkermann’s decision to step down from roles tied to public service and charitable work.
Epstein Files Update: What Was in the Emails?
According to reporters who have examined the released files, Junkermann appears hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of times in the records, suggesting a long-lasting and personal correspondence. Some messages continued well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, indicating the relationship persisted even after he was a registered sex offender.
A university student newspaper reported that Junkermann was mentioned around 3,475 times in the documents, mostly in exchanges with Epstein. While inclusion in the files does not imply criminality or direct involvement in any of Epstein’s crimes, it has raised questions about judgment and associations among elite professionals.
Epstein Files Update: Junkermann’s Response to the Revelations
Junkermann’s spokesperson issued statements expressing regret for the exchanges and portraying her as someone who was misled and “deceived” by Epstein. In comments reported by media outlets, her representatives said she was “completely deceived and misled by him, and deeply regrets their conversations regarding personal and professional matters.” They described Epstein’s actions as “appalling,” adding that their thoughts are with his victims.
Epstein Files Update: Resignations at Lancaster University
In addition to stepping down from the Royal Marsden charity, Junkermann’s position at Lancaster University was terminated. University officials said the association was under review following the emergence of her name in the Epstein files, and that her visiting professorship was ended in early February.
University leadership emphasised a commitment to integrity and values, and underscored that being mentioned in the files did not automatically imply wrongdoing, even as the context sparked concern among students and faculty.
Impact of the Revelations on Public Institutions
The fallout from the new Epstein files extends beyond Junkermann. Other public figures and institutions have faced scrutiny, including politicians and world leaders whose names also appeared in the documents. Governments and organisations are under pressure to distance themselves from those linked to the disgraced financier.
Countess Nicole Junkermann Resignation: Public Reaction
Critics argue that associations with Epstein, even if historical, undermine confidence in the judgment of prominent professionals connected to public causes. Supporters of Junkermann suggest caution, noting that being named in correspondence is not proof of misconduct. However, the intensity of public debate has forced institutions to reassess who represents them.
Nicole Junkermann’s resignation underscores the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal and the pressure on high-profile organisations to respond decisively when names appear in files tied to abuse and exploitation. The controversy continues to prompt questions about influence, accountability and judgment among business, academic and charitable leadership — long after Epstein died in 2019.
