Newly released images from the US Department of Justice show the former Prince Andrew at Sandringham, lying across the laps of five women while Ghislaine Maxwell looks on. The photos, part of the latest 'Epstein files', also depict Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell on a shoot near Balmoral and in the royal box at Ascot with Andrew.
The snapshots provide further evidence that King Charles had little choice but to strip his brother of his titles. They illustrate the access Epstein and Maxwell enjoyed through their friendship with the then Duke of York, who invited them to private royal events including Ladies' Day at Ascot in 2000 and a stay at the Balmoral estate in 1999.
Royal biographer Tina Brown has described Epstein as viewing Andrew as a 'useful idiot'. In her 2022 book, she wrote that Epstein used Andrew to negotiate deals with foreign governments, exploiting his 'sense of grievance' at being the spare heir. Biographer Andrew Lownie echoed this, calling Andrew 'easy prey' and a 'useful idiot' who gave Epstein respectability and access.
Andrew has consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct with Epstein's employee Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. He has faced calls from US Democrats to testify before Congress but has not responded to the request.
