New Photograph Emerges Showing Prince Andrew with Epstein Victim on Lap
A newly released photograph from the United States Department of Justice appears to show Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with a victim of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein seated on his lap. The image was taken inside Epstein's Manhattan mansion and forms part of a vast collection of approximately 180,000 photographs released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Details of the Controversial Image
The photograph depicts a man wearing a blue shirt and a grey hooded jacket with his arms around a blonde female, whose face has been redacted by officials, sitting on his lap. The setting is identified as the dining room of Epstein's New York townhouse, with the man strongly resembling the former Duke of York. A second photograph shows the same individual seated while a different young woman stands behind him, her arms wrapped around his neck, with her face also obscured.
Investigators have noted key details linking the images to Prince Andrew's 2010 visit. The man appears to be wearing jeans similar to those Prince Andrew wore while photographed walking in Central Park on December 2, 2010. Additionally, a distinctive red-and-white striped tablecloth is visible on the dining table in the background, consistent with other photographs from Epstein's residence.
Historical Context and Ongoing Scrutiny
Prince Andrew, aged 66, visited Epstein's Manhattan townhouse for a week-long stay in December 2010. In a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, he claimed the trip was motivated by a sense of honour to bid farewell to Epstein in person. However, correspondence and documents released by the Department of Justice indicate the pair socialised extensively during the visit and maintained contact afterwards.
This release follows earlier disclosures, including a photograph from January showing Prince Andrew on all fours leaning over a young woman, believed to have been taken in the same dining room during the 2010 visit.
Legal and Royal Repercussions
The former prince's association with Epstein has led to significant consequences. He was removed from public life after accusations by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he sexually abused her at age 17 after being "loaned out" by Epstein. Prince Andrew has consistently denied these allegations. Last year, King Charles III stripped him of his remaining royal titles.
In February, following the release of three million Epstein-related documents, Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police are investigating claims that he passed sensitive information to Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
Broader Connections and Email Evidence
Recent email releases suggest Epstein introduced Prince Andrew to young women even after his 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting a minor for prostitution. In an August 2010 email, Epstein offered to introduce the then-prince to a "beautiful" 26-year-old Russian woman, who later confirmed the meeting in a follow-up message, describing an "amazing night." Another email from Epstein mentioned bringing several women, including one described as "Romanian, very cute," to a dinner at Buckingham Palace.
Prince Andrew's friendship with Epstein and his close confidante Ghislaine Maxwell has long been under scrutiny. Maxwell, convicted in 2021 on charges including sex trafficking of a minor, is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and was found dead in his cell a month later, with his death ruled a suicide, though it remains subject to public speculation.
Prince Andrew has been contacted for comment regarding the newly released photographs and continues to deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
