Andrew Mountbatten Windsor features in an image released as part of the Epstein files. In the image, the ex-prince can be seen lying across the laps of five women. The identities of the women remain unknown as their faces have been redacted. Also in the image is Ghislaine Maxwell, former girlfriend of Epstein and convicted associate of the sex offender. She can be seen standing at the top of the picture, next to another unknown woman, looking down on them. 

Sky News reports that the image was taken inside Sandringham, specifically The Saloon. It says it identified the location by comparing the fireplace in the background to previous photos taken in the royal residence. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.

Andrew was stripped of his royal titles in November by the King following controversy over his links to the sex offender.

In a previously issued statement, he said: “At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction.”

Andrew has, for many years, faced allegations that he sexually assaulted a teenage Virginia Giuffre after she was trafficked by Epstein. He strenuously denies the accusations. He paid millions to Ms Giuffe to settle a civil sexual assault claim in 2022.

Andrew stepped down from royal duties in 2019 after his disastrous Newsnight interview, but the publication of Ms Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, and the US government’s release of documents from Epstein’s estate, brought more scrutiny over his relationship with the financier.

After huge amounts of pressure to release the files, a collection of documents, including court records, footage and images, was uploaded on Friday night to the US Department of Justice website.

The site was so busy that users were held in a queue as it experienced an “extremely high volume of search requests”.

Amongst the images, the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, also makes an appearance.

Images also show Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, Richard Branson, Mick Jagger and Lord Peter Mandelson.

Being photographed or mentioned in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing and many of those featured in the latest release have previously denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.