The image is believed to date from December 2000, when Windsor – who has now been stripped of his royal titles by Charles over his long-standing links to Epstein – hosted a birthday gathering for Maxwell, now 63, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence in the U.S. for sex trafficking offenses connected to Epstein.
Epstein, who died in a New York jail aged 66 in 2019 from an apparent suicide, had been a guest of the former Prince Andrew at Sandringham and other royal residences, including Balmoral.
Windsor has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and denies Giuffre’s allegation she was trafficked to have sex with him when she was 17.
Those close to the King say the latest fallout has revived concerns about reputational damage at a moment when the monarchy is trying to project stability.
“Charles is acutely aware that every new image or document drags the institution back into a scandal it cannot control,” another source claimed. “He believes Andrew does not grasp how his demeanor feeds public anger.”
Since his latest Epstein disgrace, Windsor has been spotted riding his horse near Windsor. An insider said, “The King feels he has done all he reasonably can.
“What remains is a simple bargain – discretion and humility in public from Andrew – including not grinning in public as if he has nothing to worry about – in exchange for continued support.”
