The images, released last month as part of the Department of Justice’s Epstein files, show the former prince, 65, crouching over a woman whose face has been redacted. In three of the photos, Andrew appears to be touching her waist and abdomen, while another person’s feet can be seen in the background.

The circumstances surrounding the photographs remain unclear, and there has been no suggestion that the images themselves depict criminal activity.

Congressional Clash Over the Photos

On Thursday, California Congressman Ted Lieu requested that the images be displayed during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, where he questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about the lack of prosecution against Andrew.

“I’m going to show you two photos of former Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew attended various parties with Jeffrey Epstein,” Lieu said.

“Under the law Congress passed, you were allowed to redact photos to protect the victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.

“You redacted the photos of this victim’s face because you were following the congressional law, is that correct?”

“I’m sorry, that we redacted the victim’s face?” Bondi replied.

“Because you were following the congressional law, correct?” Lieu clarified, to which Bondi responded: “Yes.”

“You have now established that we – please put the photos back up – that we are looking at a sex trafficking victim,” Lieu continued.

“Under the federal Victims Trafficking Protection Act, not only is Jeffrey Epstein guilty, but anyone who patronises Epstein’s sex operation is also guilty of a crime.

“That’s why I find it absolutely despicable that you sought to protect Epstein’s clients, like former Prince Andrew. Last July, you closed the case on Epstein’s abusers.

“The July 2025 memo from your Department of Justice stated, ‘We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties’.

“These two photos staring you in the face are evidence of a crime, and more than enough evidence to predicate an investigation against former Prince Andrew.

“So I ask you, Attorney General Pam Bondi, why did you shut down this investigation last July? And why have you not prosecuted former Prince Andrew?’”

Calls for UK Investigation

Also on Thursday, the UK’s former victims’ commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, urged authorities to “start properly investigating” Andrew’s links to Epstein.

Speaking to the BBC, Baird said that during her tenure from 2019 to 2022 she had raised concerns about the former Duke of York with the Metropolitan Police. However, she was told that because much of the alleged offending connected to Epstein occurred overseas, “there wasn’t much to go on” for UK investigators.

“There happens to be a monarchy, and on the face of it, there is strong suspicion the then-son of the monarch… offers some sort of threat to victims,” she said.

Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police confirmed it has been in discussions with prosecutors to determine whether Andrew may be suspected of a criminal offence and whether a full investigation is warranted.

That inquiry relates to separate allegations that he shared confidential reports with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.