It’s likely that the move can’t come soon enough for the rest of the royal family, which has also endured his now-settled sexual abuse lawsuit brought by the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre. According to Giuffre, Maxwell recruited her as a teen at Donald Trump-owned resort Mar-a-Lago before allegedly forcing her to have sex with the then-prince, a claim Mountbatten-Windsor denies.
A photo of Giuffre and Mountbatten-Windsor that was taken by Epstein has long been pointed to as proof that the royal’s repeated denials couldn’t be believed. A photo from the December Epstein files dump that depicted Maxwell and Mountbatten-Windsor, the latter laying on top of a group of seated women, was presented as further evidence that Andrew’s relationship with Epstein was more than a passing acquaintance. The photos uncovered this weekend do nothing to undercut those arguments.
Another Epstein files image of man who appears to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with an unidentified woman.
Also in the latest release were more emails between Epstein and a correspondent writing under the name “the Duke,” who many believe to be Mountbatten-Windsor. None of the emails unearthed so far appear to indicate criminal activity, but are—like the photos—disconcerting. In one, Epstein offers to introduce his correspondent to a woman, writing (sic throughout) “she 26, russian, clevere beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email.”
In another, the Duke writes of a proposed meet-up with Epstein, saying ”we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy.”
When asked if Epstein had ever dined at Buckingham Palace, a spokesperson referred Vanity Fair to its October announcement regarding Andrew’s title change, which concludes“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.” Vanity Fair has also reached out to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for comment, but has not received a response as of publication time.