The 2010 Central Park Walk: How Prince Andrew’s Ties to Epstein Endured Epstein’s Conviction
The infamous December 5, 2010, photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (then Prince Andrew) strolling arm-in-arm with Jeffrey Epstein through New York’s Central Park captures a moment that continues to define the royal’s entanglement with the convicted sex offender. Captured by photographer Jae Donnelly after staking out Ghislaine Maxwell’s townhouse (where Andrew was believed to be staying), the image shows the two men walking casually in bitter cold—Epstein in a fur-collared coat, Andrew in a dark overcoat—months after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to procuring a minor for prostitution and serving 13 months.
Andrew has stated he met Epstein in 1999 through Maxwell, a longtime acquaintance from her Oxford days. Their bond included multiple interactions: Epstein and Maxwell attended royal events (Windsor Castle parties, Sandringham shooting weekends, Balmoral stays in 1999), and Andrew flew on Epstein’s jet. Despite Epstein’s 2006 arrest and 2008 conviction, contact resumed. Andrew admitted in his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview that he visited Epstein’s Manhattan mansion in December 2010 for the “sole purpose” of ending their friendship face-to-face, calling the stay a “mistake” and “inconvenient” but “convenient” for location. He described the four-day visit (December 2–6) as honorable, yet the Central Park walk—spotted after a tip-off—undermined any claim of severance.
Footage from December 6 shows Andrew at the mansion’s door, waving goodbye to a woman as Epstein departed in a chauffeured car. Andrew later said he “kicked himself daily” for the optics, admitting it was “not becoming” of royalty. The 2025–2026 Epstein file releases (under the Transparency Act) include related photos (e.g., Andrew reclining on laps at Sandringham with Maxwell hovering) and emails, but no direct new evidence on the 2010 walk. Prosecutors noted Andrew “engaged in sexual conduct” with an Epstein victim (per Giuffre allegations, denied by Andrew), and emails show prolonged contact.
The persistence raises questions: Why maintain ties post-conviction? Andrew cited Maxwell as the “key element,” but critics point to mutual benefits (Epstein’s access to elite circles, Andrew’s trade envoy role). The 2010 visit coincided with Epstein’s efforts to rebuild reputation; some speculate he welcomed publicity. Andrew settled Giuffre’s 2021 civil suit (undisclosed sum, no admission), lost titles in October 2025 amid renewed pressure.
The photo symbolizes unchecked elite connections—Epstein’s crimes known, yet the bond thrived. As files continue releasing, it underscores accountability gaps: royal privilege, delayed scrutiny, and victims’ long fight for truth.
Here are key visuals: the 2010 Central Park photo of Andrew and Epstein, plus related unsealed images from Epstein’s world.
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