maxwell Email Challenges Prince Andrew’s Account of Controversial Photo
A recently released email from Ghislaine Maxwell appears to undermine Prince Andrew’s long-held claim that a photograph depicting him with Virginia Giuffre is not authentic.Teh image, which shows the Duke of york with his arm around ms. Giuffre, has been a central point of contention since 2019, when he asserted he was at a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking at the time the photo was allegedly taken.
The email, part of a new tranche of documents released by the US Department of Justice, contains a “draft statement” penned by Maxwell to Jeffrey Epstein on January 10, 2015. In it,Maxwell defends herself against allegations of abuse made by an unidentified woman – details strongly suggest this refers to Ms. giuffre. while the woman’s name is redacted, Maxwell wrote, “In 2001 I was in London when [redacted] met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew. A photograph was taken as I imagine she wanted to show it to friends and family.”
This account directly contradicts Prince Andrew’s previous assertion. Sky News has reached out to the Duke of york for comment.
Ms. Giuffre, who tragically died by suicide in April 2023, publicly alleged that Prince Andrew had engaged in sexual activity with her when she was 17 and that she was trafficked by Epstein. Prince Andrew has consistently denied these allegations and reached an out-of-court settlement with Ms. Giuffre in 2022, a resolution that included no admission of liability or apology. Prior to the settlement, in 2015, Ms. Giuffre initiated a civil defamation claim against Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and associate, which was ultimately settled two years later.
Further complicating the matter, another document within the Epstein files alleges a disturbing incident involving Prince Andrew and Epstein. A legal letter dated March 23, 2011, claims that Epstein introduced an exotic dancer to the former prince, and that the two men later “told [the dancer] they wanted to have a threesome” and “prevailed upon her to engage in various sex acts.” The letter later references the men “satisfying themselves.” Sky News has also sought a response from Prince Andrew regarding this specific claim.
The Duke of York has repeatedly and vehemently denied all accusations related to Epstein and his criminal activities.In 2019,he expressed regret for his “ill-judged association” with Epstein and conveyed sympathy to those affected by Epstein’s crimes. Just this week, Prince Andrew relocated from Royal Lodge to a residence on the Sandringham Estate, believed to be temporary housing while he seeks a permanent home in Norfolk.
The release of these documents also implicates other high-profile figures. Peter Mandelson, a prominent British politician, is currently under inquiry by the Metropolitan Police regarding allegations that he leaked sensitive details to Epstein while holding public office. Additionally, Sir Keir starmer is facing pressure to release files pertaining to his decision to appoint Mandelson as the UK’s US ambassador, following a government concession forced by Labor backbenchers on Wednesday.
Why: Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice are challenging Prince Andrew’s previous statements regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuff
