PRINCE Andrew is pictured swapping gifts with sex-scandal-hit former New Mexico governor - amid concern he may have stayed in Jeffrey Epstein's nearby ranch during an official state visit.

In pictures unearthed by The Sun, the Duke can be seen grinning as he gives a gift to Bill Richardson, the former Governor of New Mexico, who has been implicated in the Epstein sex scandal, during an official visit to New Mexico in 2003.

14 Prince Andrew with sex scandal hit former governor Bill Richardson, in unearthed newspaper cutting

Now there's mounting concern that Andrew stayed at pedophile Epstein's notorious "baby-making" Zorro ranch, which is just a short 45 minute drive from where the official state visit took place.

The prince spent three days in New Mexico - October 20, 21 and 22 as the UK's trade envoy - but neither the Palace or the office for the governor of New Mexico can confirm where he stayed.

On the first day, he held a press conference with Richardson in Santa Fe - an hour’s drive from Zorro Ranch - where they both swapped presents.

Andrew received a black concho belt while Richardson was given a wine coaster, which was handmade by a cousin of the royal.

14 Prince Andrew has been slammed for his lack of sympathy for Epstein's victims during a 'car crash' TV interview Credit: BBC Newsnight

14

The trip was covered by the local newspaper The Santa Fe New Mexican, who spoke to Andrew at the time and said he was ‘honoured’ to be in New Mexico.

He added: "We have a great deal in common. We want to improve trade with you and the United States."

Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Guiffre, formerly Roberts, has since claimed in court documents that she was told by the disgraced financier to have sex with many prominent men including Richardson. Both Prince Andrew and Richardson have denied any wrongdoing.

Even though there is no official record of where the Duke stayed, he has admitted to staying at Epstein's "houses" in the US during their friendship.

In his recent BBC Newsnight interview the Prince Andrew said he saw Epstein two or three times a year, adding: "Quite often if I was in the United States and doing things and if he wasn't there he would say, 'Why don't you come and use my houses?' so I said, 'That's very kind thank you very much indeed'."

14 Prince Andrew was pictured with accuser Virginia Roberts, with Ghislaine Maxwell in the background Credit: Rex Features

14 Former governor Bill Richardson has also been accused by Virginia Guiffre

14 Prince Andrew allegedly stayed in the three bedroom cottage in front of the property during one visit in the early 2000s

It comes after a former staff member at Zorro ranch revealed how Prince Andrew visited Zorro ranch in the early 2000s, where he was entertained by a "beautiful neurosurgeon", believed to have been hired by Epstein.

Deidre Stratton told the podcast Epstein: Devil in the Darkness that the woman in her 20s stayed with the Duke in a three-bedroom cottage at the ranch called the Lodge.

During the alleged visit the woman believed to be hired to entertain him apparently came down to the property's kitchen to ask if they had any tea that would make the Royal "horny".

The Sun has obtained the first pictures of the "Lodge" the Duke allegedly stayed in.

14 Epstein apparently dreamed of impregnating scores of women at his sprawling ranch

14 A raunchy nude picture of Ghislaine Maxwell apparently hung in the pool area in Epstein's notorious "baby-making" ranch, according to a former worker Credit: www.thisischriswhite.com

14 A huge eight-person "party shower' can be seen in this picture taken by a former contractor Credit: www.thisischriswhite.com

14 This shows pillows piled up on the floor against the wall Credit: www.thisischriswhite.com

Deirdre believes that visit took place in 2001 or 2002 but admits that she could have had the exact year wrong - and says she did work at the ranch in 2003.

The prince’s trip was front page local news, where he also visited a local college and observatory.

According to the local newspaper, "the visit is part of his role as his country’s ambassador of international trade and investment.

"He is seeking support for United Kingdom companies trading internationally and to encourage foreign investment."

14 The library at the ranch is full of antique furniture Credit: www.thisischriswhite.com

14 This blurry photo shows the fertility room, apparently full of naked pictures and statues Credit: www.thisischriswhite.com

14 Another cutting from Prince Andrew's trip

14 The prince's visit made front page news

The court circular for October 19 to October 21 describes the visit and lists his various engagements - but does not state where he stayed.

On October 20, it states: "The Duke of York this evening attended a Dinner given by the Governor of New Mexico, at the Governor's Mansion, Santa Fe, New Mexico."

Again it does not state whether Prince Andrew spent the night at the Governor's Mansion or elsewhere.

The mansion is around 37 miles from Epstein's 10,000 acre ranch.

When asked whether or not Prince Andrew stayed or visited Zorro Ranch on official state business, the Palace said: "All official engagements undertaken by members of the Royal Family are recorded on the Court Circular."

They declined to comment further.

These are the six questions Prince Andrew MUST answer about the Epstein sex scandal

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A representative for the Office of the New Mexico Governor said they had no records of where the royal stayed.

Richardson has denied ever meeting Guiffre, while Prince Andrew has always denied any wrong doing and tried to downplay his friendship with Epstein.

It comes after The Sun revealed last week how Epstein ordered a masseuse for the Duke during a visit to LA, three years before Andrew claims they met.

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