A former partner of Prince Andrew has offered an unusual explanation for a photograph showing the disgraced royal leaning over a woman in documents connected to the case of Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew’s relationship with Epstein has been widely scrutinized for years, particularly after the financier’s crimes and connections with powerful figures became public. Questions surrounding the nature of their friendship intensified after Epstein’s conviction and later death, with investigators and journalists examining the extent of the royal’s interactions with him.
Royal status and mounting pressure
Amid growing controversy and public criticism, the British royal family moved in late 2025 to strip Andrew of the title of “Prince” in official use. Around the same time, Andrew announced that he would no longer style himself as the “Duke of York,” a title historically associated with him.
The situation surrounding Andrew has remained complicated. In early February, he was reportedly arrested in relation to actions taken during his time serving as a trade envoy, adding further scrutiny to a figure who has already faced intense public and legal attention.
Epstein documents spark new attention
Interest surged again after the U.S. Department of Justice released an enormous collection of documents tied to Epstein’s network and activities. The release reportedly included around three million pages of records—emails, messages, photographs, and other materials referencing numerous prominent individuals.
Among those files was a photograph that quickly circulated online. The image shows Andrew on his hands and knees leaning over a woman lying on the floor.
The context of the image remains unclear, and investigators have not publicly confirmed any wrongdoing connected to the photo itself. However, given Andrew’s already controversial association with Epstein, the image generated significant public discussion.
Andrew has consistently denied any allegations of misconduct tied to Epstein and has maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
A former partner’s unusual explanation
One of the more unexpected reactions came from Lady Victoria Hervey, who briefly dated Andrew in 1999 following his divorce from Sarah Ferguson.
Speaking on journalist Dan Wootton’s Outspoken podcast, Hervey suggested that the image might simply depict Andrew participating in a CPR training exercise.
According to her account, the scene could have been part of a course led by Ghislaine Maxwell, whom she described as a trained emergency medical technician.
Hervey said she had contacted Maxwell’s lawyer and was told Maxwell had medical training that might explain the situation.
When asked directly if Andrew might have been learning CPR, Hervey responded that it could have been “part of the course.” She also claimed the woman involved in the photo was allegedly an assistant of Epstein’s and that she was “overage.”
Longstanding defense of Andrew
Hervey has defended Andrew before. In 2019, following his widely criticized interview with the BBC’s Newsnight, she argued that Andrew would not have agreed to appear on television if he had something to hide.
She has also made provocative comments regarding Epstein’s social circle, once telling LBC radio that being absent from the Epstein files could be interpreted as a sign of lacking influence.
“Epstein knew everybody who was very powerful,” she said. “If you’re not in those files… it just means you were a bit of a loser.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 24: Lady Victoria Hervey attends the TRIC Awards 2025 at Grosvenor House on June 24, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Ongoing public debate
The release of Epstein-related documents has reignited debates around the powerful figures who crossed paths with him over the years. While some individuals named in the files have faced legal consequences, others maintain they were only socially acquainted with Epstein and had no involvement in his crimes.
For Andrew, the controversy has proven particularly damaging. His 2019 Newsnight interview, his legal battles, and his removal from royal duties have significantly altered his public standing.
Even now, years after Epstein’s death, the details surrounding their association continue to generate headlines and fuel ongoing public discussion about accountability, influence, and the reach of Epstein’s network.
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