Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, has become the first senior member of the British Royal Family to publicly respond to the recent release of disturbing Epstein files photos involving his brother, Prince Andrew. These revelations have sparked intense public scrutiny and renewed debate over the monarchy’s handling of the scandal.
In January 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released another tranche of documents and images from the long-running investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. Among the materials were several unsettling photographs allegedly showing Prince Andrew in compromising positions with an unidentified woman. The images show Andrew crouched over a fully clothed female or kneeling above her as she lies on the ground, although the context and timing of the photos remain unclear. In a rare moment for the monarchy, Prince Edward was asked about the revelations during an event in Dubai. At first, he deflected the question, noting the forum wasn’t “probably the least bit interested” in the topic. However, when pressed, he emphasised the importance of acknowledging the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, saying it was “important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this.” This marks the first time a royal has publicly commented on the latest Epstein file material.
What the Epstein Files Reveal
The controversy stems from a massive release of DOJ documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The U.S. government has published hundreds of thousands of pages and images related to Epstein’s network and associations. In the newest release, there are more than 100 photographs that include Andrew. Two photos show him touching an unidentified woman’s abdomen, and another appears to show him kneeling over her while staring into the camera. These photos have added to a long-standing public controversy surrounding Andrew’s past friendship with Epstein that dates back decades. In 2019, he faced intense criticism following a BBC interview about his association with Epstein. Despite his denials of wrongdoing, Andrew settled a high-profile civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim, in 2022 without admitting liability. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025, and her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, published posthumously, contained additional allegations regarding their alleged encounters.
In October 2025, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his royal titles and honours, including the title Duke of York. The former prince now uses the name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and Buckingham Palace stated that the actions were taken in the interests of maintaining the integrity of the monarchy while still respecting Andrew’s right to defend himself.
Broader Fallout and Royal Family Ties
The Epstein files also contain a trove of emails showing Andrew’s ongoing communication with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for procuring prostitution involving minors. One email discussed introducing Andrew to a “26-year-old Russian” woman, and others revealed invitations for Epstein to visit Buckingham Palace. Even beyond Andrew, the files include communications involving his then-wife Sarah Ferguson, who reportedly corresponded regularly with Epstein. One email exchange suggested she looked to Epstein for financial help and called him her “pillar.” Media outlets have noted the range of relationships Epstein maintained with high-profile figures in politics and society, and the newly released photos illustrate how close he was able to get to elite circles, raising questions about how much the royal family and others knew.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Public and media reaction has been intense. Some commentators argue that Andrew should testify before the U.S. Congress about his connections to Epstein. Others, including law enforcement officials, are considering reviews of new allegations, though no formal criminal charges have been filed as of now. While Prince Edward’s comments do not defend his brother, they reflect a shift within the royal household toward acknowledging the broader impact of the scandal and recognising the victims at its centre.
