Andrew used family’s legitimacy as ‘bargaining chip,’ let Epstein and Maxwell roam royals’ spaces: expert

Prince Andrew stripped of titles, evicted from Royal Lodge Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich breaks down the royal family drama on 'Fox & Friends Weekend.' New photos show that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew , used Sandringham House, Balmoral and other historical royal establishments for Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell-related encounters. In the latest drop by the Department of Justice (DOJ), a photo shows Andrew sprawled across the laps of women, whose identities have been redacted, in the saloon of Queen Elizabeth's beloved Sandringham House, according to The Times . Maxwell was also photographed in the picture. Sandringham is where the royal family would typically spend Christmas and New Year's. The late queen started the tradition in 1988. New photos show Andrew inviting Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to Sandringham House. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images; Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Another photo shows Andrew with Epstein and Maxwell hunting at Balmoral Castle, according to The Guardian . Balmoral is a private estate owned by the British Royal Family, located in the Scottish Highlands. Helena Chard, a royal commentator, told Fox News Digital that Andrew was a "blithering idiot/ buffoon" and was "hoodwinked" into believing Epstein was actually his friend. HERE IS WHAT‘S IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE’S LATEST EPSTEIN FILES DROP "Epstein was a highly skilled manipulator and Andrew a blithering idiot/ buffoon. Epstein needed Andrew's monied circle of friends. It gave him status and a platform to grow his vile empire. Entitled Andrew with the promise of sex, money and friendship was hoodwinked into believing Epstein was his friend," Chard said. "Epstein was a highly skilled manipulator and Andrew a blithering idiot/ buffoon." Royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital that these new photos prove that Andrew's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell went far beyond "casual association." A photo of Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell found in the Justice Department's latest release of Epstein files. (Department of Justice) "What stands out most to me is the context of these images, not just their content. Seeing Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell appear in settings directly tied to royal life (particularly Sandringham and Royal Ascot) underscores how close Andrew allowed them to come to the monarchy’s central spaces. Sandringham is one of the family’s most intimate hideaways, and Ascot is one of its most visible social stages. Access to both goes well beyond casual association," Matta began. She referenced former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown's 2022 book, where she claimed Epstein used to refer to Andrew as "a useful idiot." EX-PRINCE ANDREW ASKED TO TESTIFY BY HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN ONGOING JEFFREY EPSTEIN INVESTIGATION "That’s why Tina Brown’s description of Andrew as a 'useful idiot' remains so apt. Epstein and Maxwell didn't need Andrew to consciously facilitate anything to benefit from him. His title alone granted status and legitimacy. Being seen with a senior royal opened doors," Matta told Fox News Digital. Ex-Prince Andrew was officially stripped of his royal titles and honors by King Charles on Oct. 30, 2025. (Steve Parsons...

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