The image, reportedly taken in Ghislaine Maxwell’s home in Belgravia shows the Duke of York, 61, alongside Ms Giuffre – previously Ms Roberts. Said to be taken in 2001, the photograph features now-convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell smiling behind the pair.
An original uncropped version of the now-infamous picture shows a thumb of the person who took the snap, on the right-hand side of the shot.
The identity of the photographer has remained a mystery for 20 years.
Many speculate that the photograph, reportedly taken at Ms Maxwell’s townhouse in central London, was taken by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The financier was found dead in his prison cell in August 2019, while awaiting criminal trial for allegedly trafficking underage girls.
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Last week, the Queen stripped him of his honorary military titles and patronages just one day after a US judge ruled a civil case in New York launched against him by Ms Giuffre could go ahead.
The Duke of York held 12 military affiliations, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, which have now been returned to Her Majesty.
Andrew’s legal team had previously cited a 2009 settlement between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre, as grounds for the dismissal.
They argued Ms Giuffre had waived her right to pursue a claim against the royal.
However, Judge Kaplan said the case could continue, adding that this ruling did not determine the “truth or falsity” of Ms Giuffre’s complaint.
As the case is now in the “discovery” stage, Andrew can now decide whether to engage with the American legal system to defend himself against the allegations.
Reports have suggested he could face a legal bill estimated to cost £5million – £6million if he decides to fight the case and clear his name over the allegations levelled against him.
He could also be looking at paying an undisclosed sum to Ms Giuffre if an out-of-court settlement is agreed instead.
Read more here Daily Express :: Royal Feed
