A newly released trove of documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has thrust the British royal family back into the spotlight. The most striking revelation is a photograph showing the former Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in a compromising position at a royal estate.
The Controversial Photograph from Sandringham
Among thousands of pages made public by the US Department of Justice on December 19, 2025, is a photo that has drawn intense scrutiny. The image depicts Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lying across the laps of several unidentified women. Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell is seen smiling in the background of the picture.
Multiple media outlets, including the BBC and The People's magazine, have reported that the photo appears to have been taken inside the saloon room at Sandringham House. This is the private Norfolk estate owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II and used by the royal family. The emergence of this photo directly links the disgraced former Duke of York's associations with Epstein to a royal property.
Wider Implications and Notable Absences
This development adds further pressure on Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations in 2022 due to his connections with Epstein. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The BBC also notes that two other photos show Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, with women whose faces are obscured.
The document release, which is only a partial batch with many redactions, names several global celebrities. These include former US President Bill Clinton, singers Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson, entrepreneur Richard Branson, and the late news anchor Walter Cronkite. It is crucial to note that none of these individuals have been accused of any crime in connection with Epstein.
However, one name was conspicuously absent from this release: former US President Donald Trump. This is notable because Trump's name has appeared on Epstein's flight manifests in previous document dumps. The release was mandated by an act of Congress, despite reported efforts by Trump to keep the files sealed.
Historical Context and Ongoing Scrutiny
The files also shed light on how long authorities may have had information about Epstein's activities. They include a complaint alleging his involvement in "child pornography" that was filed with the FBI as early as 1996. This predates formal law enforcement investigations into his misconduct by years.
The photo from Sandringham is particularly damaging as it provides a tangible, visual connection between Andrew's social circle, which included Maxwell and Epstein, and a symbol of the monarchy. It raises serious questions about whether royal properties were used for encounters linked to the convicted sex offender. As the public and media digest this latest cache of documents, the scrutiny on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the extent of his associations is certain to intensify.
