Michael Thomas: The Unwitting Photographer Behind a Royal Scandal

Michael Thomas, a former news photographer from South Dunedin, New Zealand, found himself at the center of a global scandal that would come to define his life. In 2001, while working as a freelance photographer, Thomas took a grainy photograph of Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom with Virginia Roberts (later known as Virginia Giuffre) in a private setting in Australia. The image, seemingly mundane at the time, would later be used in a groundbreaking media exposé in 2011 that exposed alleged misconduct by Prince Andrew.

At the time of the photograph, Thomas had no idea that the image would be used for such a high-profile purpose. However, when the exposé emerged, he was contacted by journalists and asked to provide further evidence to support the authenticity of the photo. Thomas obliged, supplying a second image that showed the back of the print, which bore the imprint of a London-based photo lab. This additional evidence proved crucial in verifying the photograph’s legitimacy and contributed to the growing media scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew, however, cast doubt on the image's authenticity, leading to renewed investigations and further debate about the credibility of the evidence. Despite this, Thomas, who has spent decades as a professional photographer, has remained steadfast in his account of the events. He has never publicly criticized Prince Andrew, and he has spoken of Virginia Giuffre with respect and admiration, noting that she had always supported him during the ordeal.

Giuffre, who passed away by suicide in April 2025, was a key figure in the case. Her story, which she shared publicly, became a significant part of the narrative surrounding the scandal. Thomas, who now resides in Arrowtown, New Zealand, has chosen to keep a low profile regarding the incident, reflecting on it with a sense of bemusement and detachment.

Thomas has since found a new sense of purpose and community in Arrowtown. He has formed a close friendship with Dave Gent, a founding member of the iconic New Zealand band The Exponents. Together, they have co-founded Arrowtown Brewing, a small but successful local brewery that has become a hub for the town’s vibrant community spirit.

Gent, who has called Arrowtown home for the past 25 years, describes the town as a “quirky little village” where people from all walks of life coexist and collaborate. He notes that the town’s close-knit nature has allowed Thomas to thrive in his new role as a local entrepreneur and community builder.

Both Thomas and Gent have voiced concerns about the rising cost of living and the impact of foreign investment on Arrowtown’s character. They believe that maintaining the town’s unique identity and affordability is essential for its future. Thomas, reflecting on his unexpected role in one of the most talked-about scandals of the past few decades, describes the experience as surreal. He recalls how a simple photograph taken on a kitchen table in Australia became the focal point of a global media storm and a significant moment in modern history.

While the scandal remains a part of his legacy, Thomas now focuses on building a life away from the spotlight, contributing to his community and enjoying the quiet life he has found in Arrowtown.