A newly disclosed email, believed to have been sent by Ghislaine Maxwell, appears to confirm that a photograph showing Prince Andrew with his arm around Virginia Giuffre is authentic. This development directly challenges the former royal's long-standing denials regarding the image's legitimacy.
Email Details and Context
The message, released as part of the latest batch of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case, was sent by "G Maxwell" to Epstein in 2015. It was headed "draft statement" and provides a significant account of the events surrounding the photograph.
In the email, 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."
Although the name in the email has been redacted, the contextual details strongly suggest it refers to Virginia Giuffre. This correspondence was made public by the US Department of Justice, adding a new layer of evidence to the ongoing controversy.
Prince Andrew's Previous Statements
In a notable 2019 interview with BBC's Newsnight, Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, firmly denied ever meeting Giuffre. During that appearance, he cast doubt on the photograph's authenticity, suggesting it might have been manipulated.
He stated at the time: "Nobody can prove whether or not that photograph has been doctored but I don't recollect that photograph ever being taken."
Adding to his defence, the former prince claimed he was dining at a Pizza Express in Woking, Surrey, on the evening the photograph was allegedly taken. This alibi has been widely discussed and scrutinised in the media since the interview aired.
Legal and Personal Repercussions
Virginia Giuffre, who tragically took her own life in April 2025, had accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault on three occasions when she was a teenager. The former prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In 2022, he settled a civil sexual assault claim with Giuffre for a reported multimillion-pound sum. This settlement was made without any admission of liability, a point his representatives have emphasised.
The Metropolitan Police conducted a review of allegations that Prince Andrew had sex with Giuffre in London in 2001. In December, they decided not to launch a full criminal investigation into these claims.
Family Reaction and Vindication
Giuffre's family has responded to the release of the email, telling BBC Newsnight that it serves as a form of vindication for Virginia. Her brother, Sky Roberts, expressed both pride and relief at the new evidence.
Roberts said: "It truly does vindicate Virginia ... she was not lying this entire time. It's a moment where we're really proud of our sister."
This emotional response highlights the personal toll the allegations and subsequent legal battles have taken on Giuffre's loved ones.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
The email's contents have reignited public and media interest in the connections between Prince Andrew, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell's statement in the email that she was not aware of "anything improper" taking place at her home adds another dimension to the complex narrative.
Buckingham Palace was approached for comment regarding this latest development. The palace has historically maintained that Prince Andrew is a private citizen and that matters relating to his legal affairs are handled separately from royal duties.
This case continues to raise important questions about accountability, the verification of historical evidence, and the long-term impact of high-profile allegations on all parties involved.
