Newly released documents connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein have renewed scrutiny of his past links to the British royal family after previously unseen photographs involving Prince Andrew appeared among the material.
The documents, released in the United States as part of a broader transparency process tied to Epstein’s criminal case, include images that appear to show Prince Andrew in close proximity to an unidentified woman. In one photograph, he is seen kneeling beside or over the woman while she lies on the ground. The files do not explain the circumstances, timing or location of the images, and they do not allege any criminal conduct linked directly to the photographs. Officials have stressed that the appearance of names or images in the files does not, by itself, indicate wrongdoing.
Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, maintained relationships with a wide network of wealthy and influential figures over many years. Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein has been publicly documented and scrutinised for more than a decade, including meetings that took place after Epstein’s 2008 conviction in the United States for soliciting a minor. Andrew has repeatedly denied any criminal wrongdoing.
The latest release has again drawn attention to correspondence suggesting continued contact between Epstein and Andrew after that conviction. Some emails included in the documents appear to reference potential meetings and social engagements, including messages in which Epstein is said to have discussed visiting royal residences. There is no confirmation within the files that any such meetings occurred.
The renewed attention prompted a rare public response from Prince Andrew’s younger brother, Prince Edward, who addressed questions while attending a public engagement. He said the focus surrounding the Epstein case should remain on the victims of Epstein’s abuse rather than speculation about individuals named in documents. His comments marked one of the few occasions a senior member of the royal family has spoken directly about the issue since the latest release.
Prince Andrew, once known as the Duke of York, stepped back from public royal duties in 2019 following widespread criticism of his relationship with Epstein and a televised interview that drew intense backlash. In 2022, he was stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages and no longer uses the style of His Royal Highness in an official capacity. He later reached a financial settlement in a civil case brought by a woman who accused Epstein of trafficking her to him. The settlement was reached without any admission of liability, and Andrew has continued to deny the allegations.
Separately from the document release, British police have said they are assessing new information relating to Andrew’s past links to Epstein after a woman alleged she was trafficked to the United Kingdom to spend time with him. Police have confirmed they are reviewing the information but have not announced a formal criminal investigation or charges.
The Epstein documents contain millions of pages of material, including emails, contact lists and photographs, much of which lacks full context or independent verification. United States officials overseeing the release have said the aim is transparency and have cautioned against drawing conclusions based solely on isolated excerpts or images.
Advocates for survivors of Epstein’s abuse have welcomed continued public attention on his network, while warning that the focus should not drift away from the harm suffered by victims. The latest release has once again highlighted the enduring impact of the Epstein case and the reputational consequences for those associated with him, even years after his death.
