A recently released email from Ghislaine Maxwell appears to confirm the authenticity of a controversial photograph depicting Prince Andrew with Virginia Giuffre, a woman who accused him of sexual abuse. The email, part of the latest release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, was sent by "G Maxwell" to Jeffrey Epstein in 2015. In it, Maxwell states, "In 2001 I was in London when [redacted] met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew. A photograph was taken as I imagine she wanted to show it to friends and family."

Virginia Giuffre, who tragically took her own life in April 2025, had alleged that Andrew engaged in sexual activities with her on three occasions when she was a teenager. Despite reaching an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022, which included no admission of liability, Andrew has consistently denied the allegations and questioned the authenticity of the photograph.

The email has provided a sense of vindication for Giuffre's family. Her brother, Sky Roberts, expressed to BBC's Newsnight, "It truly does vindicate Virginia... she was not lying this entire time." He added, "It's a moment where we're really proud of our sister."

In a 2019 interview with Newsnight, Andrew had suggested that the photograph might have been doctored, stating, "Nobody can prove whether or not that photograph has been doctored but I don't recollect that photograph ever being taken." He also claimed he was at a Pizza Express in Woking on the night the photograph was allegedly taken.

The email further states that Maxwell was unaware of "anything improper" occurring at her home. The name of the individual discussed in the email was redacted, but the details strongly suggest it was Giuffre.