OPINION: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appearance in a photograph in the Epstein files has shocked me, let alone King Charles.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has appeared in this shocking photograph in the Epstein files (Image: DOJ)

Andrew, Andrew, Andrew. How can you even come back from this? Waking up on Saturday, I did not expect to see a new wave of Epstein files. And I especially did not expect to see the damaging newly-released photograph of what appears to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York.

In the photograph, which has now been shared widely, Andrew appears to be on all fours over a woman lying on the floor. No context or date is given, which in my opinion makes it worse.

Other images then show what appears to be the same man touching a woman’s stomach.

While this newly-released photograph does not suggest any wrongdoing from Andrew, who has always denied allegations regarding his friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, it is not a good look.

Even if he wasn’t a member of the Royal Family, a photograph like that would be enough to make anyone cringe. So who knows what King Charles is thinking this morning as he wakes up to see such a photograph of his younger brother.

While it could be argued that Andrew has already been punished enough for similar scandals, losing his Royal Lodge home and royal titles, surely it’s now time for King Charles to wipe the slate with him completely?

I mean, it’s not a good look for the monarch to pay for his brother’s new home and renovations when he’s appearing in photographs like this, is it?

The newly-released photographs have no date or context (Image: DOJ)

I would go as far as to say Andrew should now be banished from royal life completely – no perks that come from being the King’s brother, no protection of a home on a royal estate, and definitely no allowance (if this is something he is getting).

To me, I just don’t think there is any adequate justification for the photograph. Of course, it does not actively imply wrongdoing, but what is a man – a prince at the time – doing being photographed on all fours over a woman splayed on the floor like that. What even is the context? Because I can’t see a Twister mat underneath him, which to me would be the only reason why I’d ever expect to see someone publicly in that position over someone else.

The former prince may be smiling in the photograph as he looks at the camera, but I bet he’s not smiling this morning. Cringing would be the only appropriate response.

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As for Andrew’s daughters, ex wife and the rest of the Royal Family? They definitely will not find such photographs a laughing matter.

I wonder what Epstein files with Andrew in will be released next…