A potentially groundbreaking photograph has surfaced that could dramatically alter the narrative surrounding Prince Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accuser Virginia Giuffre.
The Manhattan Mansion Image
The controversial image, taken inside Epstein's luxurious New York residence in 2001, shows a young Virginia Giuffre alongside Prince Andrew with Ghislaine Maxwell positioned closely behind them. This photograph directly contradicts the Duke of York's previous assertions about the nature and extent of his connections.
Timeline Challenges Royal Statements
According to photographic evidence and expert analysis, the picture was captured during March 2001 - a full nine months after Buckingham Palace claimed Andrew had severed ties with the disgraced financier. This timeline discrepancy raises serious questions about the accuracy of official royal accounts.
Legal Battle Over Evidence
The emergence of this photograph follows years of legal wrangling, with Giuffre's legal team fighting to obtain visual evidence from Epstein's properties. Former Metropolitan Police detective Paul Griffiths has emphasised the image's significance, stating it provides crucial context about the relationships between all parties involved.
Buckingham Palace's Response
Despite the photograph's implications, Buckingham Palace maintains its position that the Duke of York has no case to answer. The Palace continues to reference Andrew's substantial settlement with Giuffre in 2022, while victims' advocates argue the new evidence warrants renewed scrutiny.
Unanswered Questions Remain
Key questions persist about how this photograph remained undiscovered for so long and what other evidence might exist within Epstein's extensive photographic collection. The image represents another challenging chapter for the royal family as they navigate ongoing reputational damage from associations with the Epstein scandal.