An email released as part of newly released records from a US Justice Department investigation into the crimes of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein appears to confirm the authenticity of a long-discussed photograph showing former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with his arm around Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse, the bbc reported.
The message, written by Ghislaine Maxwell, contradicts years of denials from the former prince, who previously questioned whether the image had been manipulated and said he did not remember meeting it.
The email, dated 2015 and marked “draft statement,” was sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Ghislaine Maxwell wrote that she was present in London in 2001 when Giuffre met several friends, including Prince Andrew. The email indicates that a photograph was taken, suggesting it was intended to be shared with family and friends.
The document also stated that nothing improper had occurred at Maxwell’s home. Although parts of the message were redacted, the context indicates that it was referring to Giuffre.
FAMILY SAYS GIUFFRE VINDICATED
Giuffre’s family said the email supported her long-standing account.
talking to BBC News NightVirginia Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, said the document proved his sister had been telling the truth.
She said the family was proud of her and believed the release of the email confirmed what she had maintained for years.
Giuffre, who died in 2025, had accused Prince Andrew of having sexual relations with her on three occasions when she was a teenager. He has consistently denied the allegations.
ANDREW’S VERSION OF EVENTS QUESTIONED
Prince Andrew settled a civil case with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability or offering an apology.
In a 2019 interview, he denied meeting Giuffre and suggested the photograph may have been doctored. He also claimed he was not at Maxwell’s London home at the time, saying he had been at a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking.
A separate email from Epstein from 2011, released last year by US lawmakers, also referred to Giuffre being photographed with Andrew.
In one of the latest images released on Friday, Andrew appears to have his hand on the woman’s stomach. In another photo, the former prince looks directly into the camera. In all three images, Andrew is barefoot and is seen wearing jeans and a white polo shirt.
However, the identity of the woman is unknown. Nor when or where the images were taken.
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With contributions from agencies