Ghislaine Maxwell has made a stunning statement in the Epstein files, asserting the authenticity of the image showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with his arm around his accuser’s waist. Despite Prince Andrew’s denial of the photo’s legitimacy, emails from the extensive documents released by the US government reveal Maxwell’s confirmation that she introduced Andrew to the 17-year-old and that the picture was taken at her residence in 2001. The police have now announced a review of the latest accusations against the former prince, who has consistently refuted any wrongdoing.

In a series of emails dating back to 2015, Maxwell drafted a statement aiming to counter the increasing media reports at the time. The disgraced socialite denied requesting a massage for Prince Andrew during their encounter in London in 2001. Maxwell further claimed in subsequent emails that she had no knowledge of any sexual activities involving Ms. Giuffre and the ex-Duke or other prominent individuals.

A reply from Jeffrey Epstein to Maxwell’s statement raised questions about relationships and events involving various personalities. Maxwell urged prompt action on the statement and clarified that she was advised to state that she was unaware of any massages involving Andrew in her residence. The beginning of Maxwell’s full draft statement dismissed allegations against her as lies and criticized the media scrutiny faced by herself, Alan Dershowitz, and Prince Andrew.

This email exchange casts doubt on Prince Andrew’s alibi from his controversial 2019 Newsnight interview, where he claimed to be at a Pizza Express in Woking with his daughters on the evening the incriminating photo was allegedly taken. Andrew reiterated this account in 2019, recalling the Pizza Express visit with his children as an unusual occurrence for him.