The scandal with Jeffrey Epstein has been in the public eye for a while. All those associated with and named in the emails released by the Department of Justice are under scrutiny. One of them is the disgraced former Prince Andrew.
Now, there is an update about a now-infamous picture of him with an unidentified young woman.
There have been newly released images of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, which have ignited a fresh wave of questions from people. The most controversial image featured Andrew with a woman lying beneath him. The woman in the picture had her identity protected and hence her face was not visible.
Now, U.S. lawmakers are alleging that the woman in the picture might be a victim of sex trafficking. A heated exchange in a U.S. Congressional hearing where California Congressman Ted Lieu raised questions about the identity of the woman as well as the legal implications of it.
Lieu directly asked U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, “Under the law Congress passed, you were allowed to redact photos to protect victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. You redacted the photos of this victim’s face because you were following congressional law. Is this correct?”
Bondi then confirmed this. She affirmed that redacting the woman’s face was in line with U.S. laws, which aimed to protect victims.
Lieu went on and said, “You have now established that we are looking at a sex trafficking victim under the federal Victims Trafficking Protection Act. Not only is Jeffrey Epstein guilty, but anyone who patronized Epstein’s sex operation is also guilty of a crime.”
He went on to condemn the images and allege that the existence of these images meant that there was “evidence of a crime” and demanded that authorities take action on it.
“That’s why I find it absolutely despicable that you sought to protect Epstein’s clients, like former Prince Andrew,” Lieu said, asking that a full investigation take place into the former Royal.
He directed some comments to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi saying, These two photos staring you in the face are evidence of a crime, and more than enough evidence to predicate an investigation against former Prince Andrew. So I asked you, Attorney General Counsel, why did you shut down this investigation last July? And why have you not prosecuted former Prince Andrew?”
Lieu was evidently quite frustrated as he went on to say, “There are over 1,000 sex trafficking victims and you have not held a single man accountable. Shame on you. If you had any decency you would resign right after this hearing concludes.”
Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten has denied all accusations that have been so far levelled against him. While being mentioned in the Epstein files is a cause for concern, it does not automatically imply that any crime has been committed. And Andrew maintains that he was never involved in anything illegal with Epstein.
In a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice in July 2025, the department said there was not enough evidence to justify an investigation into any “uncharged third parties,” including the former disgraced royal.
However, the former Prince continues to be under heat for his involvement with Epstein. The Thames Valley Police have consulted the Crown Prosecution Service regarding any potential misconduct by the former royal.
The investigation was concerned with allegations that Andrew had leaked confidential reports to Epstein while he served as the trade envoy to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore on behalf of the United Kingdom.
While the Royal Family has largely remained silent on the issue, they are now speaking up about their concerns.
A statement released by Kensington Palace on behalf of Prince William and Princess Kate communicated their distress over the entire situation, it read, “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
King Charles also made a rare public comment on the matter, offering his support ot the victims. A statement from him said, “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.”
“The King also emphasized that while the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, the Royal Family stands ready to support Thames Valley Police if they approach us.”
The statement ended with, “As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
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