"We now see, for instance, a troubling assertion attributed to you that a well-documented photograph depicting you, Virginia Roberts Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell in each other's company is a 'fake'."

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They also request a meeting with Andrew to discuss the photograph and Giuffre, suggesting a venue in New York, London or another city could be arranged.

The lawyers noted they had approached Andrew years ago for a meeting about the "long-held photograph", writing: "We were puzzled and, we must admit, disappointed that you did not cooperate at that time.

"Nevertheless, given your new attention to the subject and your pledge to cooperate, we renew our request for your cooperation."

The photograph first emerged in 2011 when the Mail on Sunday published the image and Giuffre's account of meeting Andrew. It is said to have been taken at the home of Ghislaine Maxwell, in London in 2001, when Giuffre was 17.

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The allegation against the prince is facing renewed attention after Epstein, 66, killed himself in prison last month following an arrest over sex trafficking of underage girls.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment and reissued a previous statement: "It is emphatically denied that The Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia Roberts. Any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation."

Telegraph, London