A Democratic congressman has alleged that the unidentified woman photographed lying on the floor beneath Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—formerly known as Prince Andrew—in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files was a victim of sex trafficking.
The images, part of a major Department of Justice (DoJ) release in late January 2026, show the former Duke of York on all fours or kneeling over a fully clothed woman whose face was redacted. In some photos, he appears to touch her abdomen while looking at the camera; the context and circumstances remain unclear, with no captions or dates provided.
During a heated House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing this week, California Rep. Ted Lieu displayed the photos while questioning US Attorney General Pam Bondi about the DoJ’s handling of the Epstein documents. Lieu referenced federal law allowing redactions to protect victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking network.
“Under the law Congress passed, you were allowed to redact photos to protect victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. You redacted the photos of this victim’s face because you were following congressional law. Is this correct?” Lieu asked. Bondi confirmed it was.
Lieu then asserted: “You have now established that we are looking at a sex trafficking victim under the federal Victims Trafficking Protection Act. Not only is Jeffrey Epstein guilty, but anyone who patronised Epstein’s sex operation is also guilty of a crime.”
He accused the administration of protecting Epstein’s associates, calling it “absolutely despicable” in relation to Mountbatten-Windsor, and demanded to know why the DoJ shut down any potential investigation into him last July despite what he described as “evidence of a crime” in the photos.
Lieu further criticized the lack of prosecutions, stating there are over 1,000 sex trafficking victims but “you have not held a single man accountable. Shame on you.” He urged Bondi to resign if she had “any decency.”
The DoJ stated in July 2025 that it found no evidence in the Epstein files warranting investigations into uncharged third parties.
Mountbatten-Windsor has strongly denied all allegations of wrongdoing related to Epstein and maintains that being named in the files does not imply guilt or knowledge of criminal activity. He settled a civil lawsuit with accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability.
The controversy has prompted fresh developments in the UK, where Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing allegations of misconduct in public office against Mountbatten-Windsor. This relates to claims he shared confidential UK trade reports with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy for Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore. Police have engaged with specialist Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors as part of this ongoing review.
In rare public statements, senior royals addressed the escalating scrutiny. Kensington Palace, on behalf of Prince William and Princess Kate, said: “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
King Charles issued a statement expressing “profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.” He noted that while specific claims are for Mountbatten-Windsor to address, Buckingham Palace stands ready to support Thames Valley Police if approached, and reiterated sympathies for victims of abuse.
The photos and hearing have intensified pressure on Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his royal titles and honors in 2025 amid prior Epstein-related fallout. No charges have been filed against him in connection with these matters.
