The infamous photo with then-Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre (center) and Ghislaine Maxwell.Image: www.imago-images.de
Feb 5, 2026, 4:11 p.mFeb 5, 2026, 4:11 p.m
Email histories from the Epstein files suggest the authenticity of a now infamous photo of former Prince Andrew and Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre.
The now deceased Giuffre had accused Andrew of abusing her several times – including in London in 2001, when she was still a minor.
At that time, the picture is said to have been taken in the house of Epstein aide Ghislaine Maxwell, where the attack is said to have taken place. Andrew always denied the allegations. However, a civil lawsuit by Giuffre in the US ended in a settlement reportedly worth millions.
The photo shows the prince with one arm on Giuffre’s hip, with Maxwell next to him. Maxwell described the photo as a “fake” in an interview from prison. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the abuse ring run for years by US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
Former Prince Andrew, who maintained a close friendship with Epstein for years, claimed not to remember Giuffre and also cast doubt on the authenticity of the photo in a BBC interview.
Andrew’s assurances are further undermined
But an email history in the files now published by the US Department of Justice suggests otherwise. In it, Maxwell appears to be discussing a court appearance with Jeffrey Epstein and confirming both the encounter between Giuffre and Andrew and the photo.
“In 2001 I was in London when (name redacted) met a number of friends of mine, including Prince Andrew. A photo was taken for her to show friends and family.”it says in several versions of a text that a “G Maxwell” sent to a “Jeffrey E.” sent. The presentation corresponds to that of Giuffre, whose accusations are undoubtedly the subject of the text.
This further undermines Andrew’s assurances that he never met Giuffre. The younger brother of King Charles III. Over time, as a result of the allegations, he lost his role as an official representative of the royal family as well as all honors, military ranks and titles.
Charles also stripped him of the title “Prince” he acquired through birth. His name is now just Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He also had to move out of the luxurious Royal Lodge property on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, called the email important evidence that his sister was telling the truth. «Ghislaine not only mentioned the photo, but also confirmed that it was in the house that Virginia mentioned»he told the BBC, adding: “I want to use this as a moment to remind people to believe survivors.” (sda/dpa)
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