A previously unseen photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, reclining across the laps of five women whose faces have been redacted, has emerged in the latest tranche of documents and images released by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. The undated black-and-white image, which appears to show a younger Mountbatten-Windsor in formal black-tie attire smiling with his eyes closed and his head positioned near a woman's lap, also features convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell smiling in the background.
The photograph is believed to have been taken in the historic Saloon room at Sandringham House, the royal family's private estate in Norfolk, England—a room traditionally used for family gatherings, afternoon tea, and post-Christmas dinner relaxation. This location adds significant context, as it highlights how Mountbatten-Windsor facilitated access for Epstein and Maxwell to the inner circles of British high society and royal properties. Around the same period, Epstein and Maxwell were photographed participating in a pheasant shoot on the Sandringham grounds and attending events such as Royal Ascot in the royal box.
The image was among thousands of documents, photographs, and investigative materials uploaded to the Department of Justice website on Friday, December 19, 2025, in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act—a law signed by President Donald Trump mandating the full release of federal records related to Epstein's crimes. The initial release included heavily redacted files, prompting criticism from victims' advocates and lawmakers who argued that key details were withheld, potentially violating the act's intent for complete transparency. Additional tranches are expected in the coming weeks.
Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, maintained extensive ties to powerful figures. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 of child sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence. Mountbatten-Windsor's longstanding friendship with Epstein has been a source of intense scrutiny for years. He hosted events attended by the pair, including what he later described in his infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview as a "straightforward shooting weekend" at Sandringham.
The release renews focus on Mountbatten-Windsor's associations, particularly following allegations by the late Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim who accused him of sexual assault when she was 17. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, detailed her claims in a posthumous memoir. Mountbatten-Windsor settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed sum without admitting liability. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating he never witnessed or suspected Epstein's criminal behavior.
In October 2025, King Charles III stripped his brother of all remaining royal titles, including the style "His Royal Highness" and the princely title, amid renewed pressure from the Epstein revelations. Mountbatten-Windsor, now 65, was also evicted from his longtime residence at Royal Lodge and has withdrawn from public life since 2019.
Other images in the release depict Epstein and Maxwell at Balmoral, another royal estate, and include photographs of Mountbatten-Windsor's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, with unidentified women whose faces are redacted. Additional files show high-profile figures such as former President Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and others in social settings with Epstein—though mere appearance in the files does not imply wrongdoing, and many have denied knowledge of his crimes.
The photograph of Mountbatten-Windsor has drawn widespread media attention and public outrage, with commentators noting its informal and compromising nature contrasts sharply with his previous denials of excessive partying or inappropriate conduct. Friends of the former royal have attempted to downplay the image, with one source telling reporters there is "no problem" evident in the scene.
Critics, including Epstein survivors, have expressed frustration over the redactions, arguing they protect the powerful while obscuring full accountability. The release has also fueled debates about the extent of Epstein's network and the role of enablers in his operations.
Buckingham Palace and representatives for Mountbatten-Windsor have declined to comment on the latest images. The ongoing disclosures underscore the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal on institutions and individuals once considered untouchable.
