British journalist Annette Witheridge captured the pivotal photograph of Prince Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein walking together in New York City’s Central Park in December 2010. She credits this image with sparking the intense scrutiny that continues to surround the former royal.

Prince Andrew faces an ongoing police investigation into his links with Epstein, intensified by newly released photos from Epstein’s files last month. Authorities arrested him on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While Andrew has not publicly addressed the latest documents, he has previously denied all related allegations.

The Fateful Snapshot

Witheridge maintains that her photo provided undeniable proof of their association. “I was there. I saw them leave Epstein’s New York home together and walk together to Central Park, where the picture was taken,” she stated. “If we hadn’t got that picture, there would have been no Epstein/Andrew connection, because Andrew would have carried on denying it and we couldn’t have proved it. Now it is literally THE picture.”

She added, “History was made. It was the start of a whole house of cards that led to where we are now with Andrew. But I must admit when we snapped the pair, I didn’t know the magnitude at the time.”

This encounter occurred during the same New York trip where Andrew claimed to have ended his ties with Epstein following the financier’s conviction for child sex offenses.

Following the Tip-Off

Acting on a tip about Andrew’s presence in the city, Witheridge and photographer Jae Donnelly first spotted the pair in Central Park. They trailed the group back to Epstein’s residence, where they observed figures such as Woody Allen and his wife entering the property.

The journalists staked out the building for two hours until Epstein and Andrew emerged. “Andrew was much greyer than I thought he would be,” Witheridge recalled as she followed them in her car. After about 20 minutes out, the duo returned home.

Call for Security Officers to Testify

Witheridge now urges Andrew’s security detail from that time to come forward with their observations, which could shed light on Andrew’s awareness of Epstein’s activities. She questions why the officers have not yet provided statements.

“Andrew’s people knew we were out there, so did Epstein’s,” she noted. “I understand the Royal Protection Squad and why they didn’t say anything to Andrew.”

Experienced officers likely witnessed numerous young women—whose ages fell into a concerning gray area—entering and exiting the residence. Witheridge speculates they may have been horrified, perhaps due to having daughters of similar ages, or instructed to remain silent.