The publication of new photographs and documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files in the United States has triggered a fresh wave of reactions, after images emerged that are said to depict Prince Andrew in controversial circumstances.
According to descriptions accompanying the material, the photographs appear to show a man resembling the former Duke of York leaning over a woman lying on the floor. In one of the images, the man is seen looking directly at the camera.
Unknown woman on the floor
New images released as part of the Epstein files are said to depict Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on all fours over a woman lying on the floor. In three photographs, a man alleged to be the former prince appears bent over the individual, who is lying on her back with her arms outstretched.
The photographs were released by the US Department of Justice, though it remains unclear where they were taken. As with much of the material included in the so-called “Epstein files”, no information is provided on the time or location of the images, nor are further explanations offered.
It is recalled that a previous batch of documents included a photograph of Prince Andrew inside a private residence, surrounded by women, which had already drawn significant criticism.
Protecting victims
The latest documents were published by the US Department of Justice, which said extensive declassification had taken place in order to protect victims and safeguard ongoing investigations. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that victims’ personal data, medical records, child sexual abuse material and information that could compromise active investigations had been removed or altered. The faces of women — with the exception of Ghislaine Maxwell — have been blurred, unlike those of men.
A photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lying across a group of women, taken during a formal black-tie event attended by Ghislaine Maxwell, was also made public as part of the Epstein files in December.
Of particular interest are emails included in the documents that relate to communication between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein in 2010, just days after Epstein’s release from house arrest. In the messages, the then prince is said to invite Epstein to dinner at Buckingham Palace, referring to “a great deal of privacy”, although it is unclear whether the meeting ever took place.
Bill Gates, Donald Trump
The files also contain references to other high-profile figures, including Bill Gates, as well as members of the British royal family. In addition, testimonies are recorded from women who worked for Epstein in the late 1990s, expressing reservations about requests which they say went beyond the bounds of professional cooperation.
Prince Andrew and Donald Trump have repeatedly denied any involvement in illegal activity. However, the newly released material has reignited public debate over the former Duke of York’s relationship with Epstein, particularly in light of past statements in which Prince Andrew said he had travelled to the United States to end their friendship.
It is noted that, according to an internal FBI memo included in the files, US authorities reportedly assess that Prince Andrew “is not a central figure” in the criminal investigation. Nevertheless, the mass release of documents - which Todd Blanche compared in volume to “two Eiffel Towers” - has once again thrust one of the darkest and most controversial chapters of the Epstein case back into the international spotlight.