The first batch of newly released Epstein files has triggered intense scrutiny, prompting a flood of media reports and social media commentary as journalists and the public alike pore over the newly unsealed material. Among the figures once again at the centre of attention is Prince Andrew, long regarded as one of the most controversial individuals linked to the scandal. According to reporting by the Daily Mail, one newly surfaced photograph has drawn particular focus, not only for what it shows, but for where it was taken.According to the Daily Mail, the disturbing photo shows Former Prince Andrew reclining across the laps of several women while smiling at the camera, as Ghislaine Maxwell stands nearby, looking on.
The women pictured in the image have not been identified, with their identities protected by US government lawyers. The photograph itself was released without accompanying details clarifying when it was taken or the circumstances surrounding it.
Taken inside Sandringham’s historic saloon room
What has intensified reaction to the image is its reported setting. The Daily Mail identified the room as the saloon room at Sandringham Palace, a space long associated with private royal gatherings.The saloon room, located near the entrance of the nineteenth-century house, is traditionally used by the monarch to host family members during Christmas. It is where the King gathers relatives to watch the pre-recorded Christmas Day broadcast, a tradition dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.Beyond Christmas Day, the room has historically served as a communal space where members of the Royal Family watch television, play games, or spend time together while staying on the Norfolk estate.Also visible in the image, according to the Daily Mail, is a concealed door within the saloon room. The door leads to the room where George V delivered his first Christmas radio broadcast in 1932.While, the photo lacks contextual information it is known that Former Prince Andrew hosted a surprise birthday celebration for Maxwell at the King’s private Norfolk estate in December 2000. In his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, Andrew later described the event as a “straightforward shooting weekend” during questioning by Emily Maitlis.Around the same period, Epstein and Maxwell were photographed attending a pheasant shoot on the Norfolk estate.This is however, not the first time the Palace’s role in Andrew’s debauchery has been bought to focus. Historian Andrew Lownie, in an interview with NewsNation’s Paula Froelich, made scintillating claims. He said, “He brought in prostitutes to Buckingham Palace for years. It was done on a regular basis. People who worked there complained to people in command, but nothing was done — the security that complained were told, ‘If you would like to go back on the beat Brixton, you have that choice, but otherwise you keep quiet.“He also said that the Queen, was aware of this. ”Of course the Queen knew. She was informed. But he was her favorite son, and he got away with everything. They brushed it under the rug. Until now,” he added.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source timesofindia.indiatimes.com ’
