Why Andrew photo in Epstein files is deeply awkward for Royal Family

A Sandringham photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the Epstein files has resurfaced at a particularly uncomfortable moment for the Royal Family, just days before they gather at the estate for Christmas.

Andrew is set to move to the King's private Norfolk estate in the next few months, after he was officially stripped of his titles, honours, and his large home on the Windsor estate.

The picture was among the thousands of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice.

It shows Andrew lying across the laps of several women whose faces have been redacted.

Looking on and laughing is Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend.

The photo was taken in the stately saloon room at Sandringham House in Norfolk.

Although the image is undated, we know Andrew organised a shooting weekend in 2000 for Ghislaine's birthday.

It is a picture of intimate access to the inner royal sanctum.

Sandringham is a private royal retreat, and no one is invited here by chance.

Royal biographer, Andrew Lownie, said royal residences were used as "party places" by Andrew.

"Epstein and Ghislaine took advantage of this," he said. "They went to Balmoral, Sandringham and Windsor … This showed people just how close they were to the Royal Family."

There's no suggestion the wider family knew Epstein, but the timing is deeply awkward. This week Sandringham will once again host the Royal Family's traditional Christmas gathering.

And the King will deliver his Christmas message to the country and Commonwealth.

Andrew isn't invited to Sandringham and will be spending Christmas elsewhere. The Norfolk estate will soon become his new home; it's understood the move will happen in the first quarter of next year.

For years, Andrew let Epstein and Maxwell into his privileged world.

They were guests at the 18th birthday party of his daughter, Princess Beatrice.

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Another photo released in the files shows Andrew, Epstein and Maxwell at Royal Ascot, a firm fixture in the royal calendar.

Epstein and his former girlfriend are also photographed at another shooting party, possibly at Balmoral.

We know the pair were once guests at the Scottish castle, pictured in the same lodge loved by the late Queen.

Mr Lownie said the pair enjoyed "extraordinary" access.

"It just shows how close Andrew was to them... for them to be socialising in these very private residences," he added.

Andrew's association with Epstein has cost him his royal roles, titles, and his beloved home.

He has always strongly denied any wrongdoing.

The images and documents released and revealed in the Epstein files contain graphic and traumatic content.

It is harrowing and retraumatising for Epstein's victims.

And what continues to shock - is how a man like Jeffrey Epstein had proximity to the Royal Family. And why Andrew let it happen and stayed friends with him.

(c) Sky News 2025: Why Andrew photo in Epstein files is deeply awkward for Royal Family