Annette Witheridge, a British journalist known for her persistent reporting and groundbreaking exclusives, died of cancer at the age of 66. Her most notable work included capturing the widely circulated photograph of Prince Andrew and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein together in Central Park, New York, on December 5, 2010.

Witheridge’s pursuit of that image began with a tip-off about Prince Andrew’s private trip to the United States. After unsuccessfully following Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, she shifted focus to the Epstein residence on East 71st Street in Manhattan, alerted by the sound of British voices suspected to be part of the royal protection detail. Alongside photographer Joe Donnelly, Witheridge maintained a vigil in the cold winter weather for two days before capturing the photograph, a moment later dramatized in the 2024 film "Scoop," in which she was portrayed by actress Kate Fleetwood.

Born in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, on July 8, 1960, Witheridge’s early interest in journalism was clear from her teenage years. She began her career distributing publicity for a local weekly newspaper before joining the editorial team. She progressed swiftly, becoming a crime correspondent for the Coventry Evening Telegraph while still in her early 20s. Known for her detailed shorthand notes, some of which served as court evidence, she gained recognition in a male-dominated profession.

By the age of 23, Witheridge had moved to London, joining The Sun’s “Bizarre” column, focusing on pop music and show business gossip. In 1997, she relocated permanently to New York while maintaining ties to the UK. Over a career spanning more than two decades in the city, she founded her own news agency, Big Apple News, which she eventually sold after years of operation. Her business ventures included a partnership with former Daily Mirror journalist Allan Hall and employing several British journalists in New York.

Her notable reporting extended beyond the Epstein story. Witheridge covered major events such as the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan and reported on the trial of British nanny Louise Woodward in the United States. She also tracked down disgraced entertainer Gary Glitter after his 1997 flight from child pornography charges in the UK, locating him in Cuba and filing reports from Havana.

After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, Witheridge reconsidered her long-term residence in New York, although she continued living there until 2019. Later, she focused on ghostwriting projects, including the autobiography of Debbie Nelson, mother of rapper Eminem, which sold over 100,000 copies in Britain.

Beyond journalism, Witheridge was known for her intellectual interests, including literature and history. She volunteered at the Dr. Johnson’s House Museum in London and had a lifelong affinity for Shakespeare, frequently visiting Stratford-upon-Avon during her early career.

Witheridge never married but was beloved by a wide network of friends and acquaintances, ranging from diplomats to neighbors. She organized charity street parties and retained an active social life well into her final year, traveling internationally.

She is survived by her mother, Ena, and sister, Yvonne.