DOJ Epstein files include photo of Prince Andrew reclining on women’s laps

WASHINGTON, DC: Hundreds of thousands of long-anticipated federal records connected to Jeffrey Epstein were released by the US Department of Justice on Friday, December 19, offering new insight into Epstein's social network and private residences.

Among the materials is a previously unseen photograph showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, lying across the laps of several women.

The release follows a congressional mandate requiring the public disclosure of Epstein-related files, though many documents and images remain heavily redacted.

Officials have emphasized that inclusion in the records does not, on its own, constitute evidence of wrongdoing. 

Previously unseen image of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released 

One of the images included in the document dump is an undated black-and-white photograph depicting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reclining across the laps of six women whose faces have been obscured.

Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate who is serving a federal prison sentence, appears standing behind him in the image. Andrew, dressed in black-tie attire, is shown smiling with his eyes closed. 

The photograph is allegedly believed to have been taken in the saloon room at Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk, though no official confirmation was provided with the image.

Two additional photos released allegedly show Andrew's former wife, Sarah Ferguson, in the company of women whose identities have also been redacted.

Representatives for Ferguson were contacted by media outlets, but did not immediately respond. 

Andrew, now 65, has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein. He was stripped of his remaining royal titles following sustained public pressure over his association with the financier.

In a posthumous memoir published last year, Epstein accuser Virginia Guiffre reiterated allegations involving Andrew, which he has repeatedly denied. 

Scope of DOJ release and broader political response 

The newly released records are part of a larger tranche of Epstein-related materials made public following the passage of legislation requiring disclosure by Friday.

The documents include photographs of Epstein's properties, travel records and images of numerous public figures.

Many images and documents were released with extensive redactions to obscure identities, particularly those of women whose status as victims could not be confirmed. 

The files also include undated photographs of Maxwell outside 10 Downing Street and images showing Epstein alongside various prominent individuals.

DOJ officials said that the department "erred on the side of redacting to protect victims," a position that has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who argue the redactions violate the intent of the transparency law. 

The White House has defended the release, stating the Trump administration is the "most transparent in history."

Democrats, however, have continued to question whether the disclosures fully comply with congressional requirements. Legal and political scrutiny surrounding the release is expected to continue as lawmakers and advocacy groups review the materials.