Newly released photographs from the US Department of Justice show Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell together at exclusive royal locations, including Sandringham, Balmoral, and Ascot. The images, part of the latest 'Epstein files', highlight the access Epstein and Maxwell gained through their association with the former duke.
One photo depicts Andrew lying across the laps of five women at Sandringham, reportedly at Maxwell's 39th birthday party in December 2000. Another shows Epstein and Maxwell in the royal box at Ascot with Andrew in June 2000, an event attended by the Queen and Queen Mother. A third captures the trio on a shoot near Balmoral, where Andrew reportedly invited the couple to stay in 1999.
Royal biographers have described Andrew as a 'useful idiot' for Epstein. Tina Brown wrote that Epstein exploited Andrew's sense of grievance as the 'spare' to the heir, using him to negotiate deals with shady players. Andrew Lownie called Andrew 'easy prey' who gave Epstein respectability and access to political leaders.
Andrew has denied allegations of sexual abuse involving Virginia Giuffre, who died in April. He faces calls from US Democrats to testify before Congress but has not responded to a deadline. The former duke is set to be evicted from Royal Lodge and move to a Sandringham estate house next year.
