A previously unseen photograph featuring the Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in a casual pose among a group of people has been made public as part of a major release of documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The image forms part of a substantial cache of files published by the US Department of Justice.
Details of the Released Image and Documents
The undated photograph shows Prince Andrew lying on his back across the legs of five seated individuals. Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell appears in the frame, smiling in the Duke's direction. In the picture, Andrew's head is positioned near a woman's lap. The release is part of the ongoing disclosure mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
These documents, which are heavily redacted, also reference other high-profile names, including the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, and former US President Bill Clinton. It is crucial to note that being pictured in the documents does not imply any wrongdoing by these individuals. The Duke has consistently denied any misconduct regarding his association with Epstein, though those links led to him being stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations.
Political Reaction and Further Releases Expected
The partial release has already sparked commentary from political figures. US Representative Ro Khanna reacted to the publication, stating, "They have not been transparent", highlighting concerns over the extent of the redactions and the pace of disclosure. This initial batch of files is expected to be followed by further document releases in the coming weeks, as the legal process continues.
The publication underscores the long shadow cast by the Epstein scandal and its continued resonance in both legal and public circles. For the British monarchy, it represents another unwelcome moment of scrutiny related to the Duke's past associations.
