US lawmakers intensify pressure on Prince Andrew over Epstein links following removal of royal title…reports Asian Lite News
Members of a US congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have stepped up calls for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to answer questions over his relationship with the disgraced financier, days after King Charles removed his “prince” title following sustained public and political pressure. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
At least four Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee have renewed their push for Andrew to testify. The committee is led by Republicans, who have not yet indicated whether they would support such action. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam told the BBC that Andrew had an opportunity to “clear his name” and “do right by the victims”, adding that he could give evidence remotely, be represented by counsel, and speak privately to the panel if necessary.
“Frankly, Andrew’s name has come up many times from the victims,” Subramanyam said. “So he clearly has knowledge of what happened and we just want him to come forward and tell us what he knows.” He added, “No matter who it is – American or not – everyone should be looked at.”
Fellow Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi told BBC Newsnight he would be prepared to issue a subpoena to Andrew but admitted it would be difficult to enforce if Andrew remained outside the US. “However, if Andrew wishes to come to the United States or he’s here, then he’s subject to the jurisdiction of the US Congress, and I would expect him to testify,” he said. “At the end of the day, we want to know exactly what happened, not just to give justice to the survivors, but to prevent this from ever happening again.” He urged Andrew: “Come clean. Come before the US Congress, voluntarily testify. Don’t wait for a subpoena. Come and testify and tell us what you know.”
Congressman Stephen Lynch also said hearing from Andrew “might be helpful in getting justice for these survivors”, though he acknowledged the committee could not subpoena him “as the situation stands”. Epstein accuser Liz Stein said Andrew should “take some initiative” and assist investigators. “A lot of us are curious as to why he’s unwilling to cooperate and be questioned about his involvement with Epstein. If he has nothing to hide, then why is he hiding? We know he had a longstanding friendship with Epstein and that he was in his social circle – so he may have seen things during his involvement with Epstein that he could speak to.”
Another accuser, Anouska De Georgiou, said it would be “appropriate for him to be treated the same as anybody else would be treated”. In the UK, pressure has also been mounting. Trade minister Chris Bryant said Andrew should travel to the US to answer questions if asked, “just as with any ordinary member of the public”. King Charles’s decision to remove his brother’s title followed weeks of intensifying scrutiny. The Royal Household stated: “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him. Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had contacted the Metropolitan Police to ask whether any matters required investigation following media reports about Andrew. The IOPC said it had approached Scotland Yard’s Directorate of Professional Standards last week but had not yet received any referrals. Reports emerged in mid-October that Andrew asked his police protection officers in 2011 to obtain personal information about his accuser Virginia Giuffre. He has not commented, while the Metropolitan Police said it was “actively” looking into the claims.
Separately, newly released US court documents showed Andrew emailed Epstein in 2010 saying it would be “good to catch up in person” after Epstein was released from prison for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The men were later photographed walking together in New York’s Central Park in December 2010, a meeting Andrew said was intended to end their friendship. Andrew’s relationship with Epstein was central to the decision announced by the Palace. In recent weeks, renewed attention was drawn to emails from 2011 showing Andrew in contact with Epstein months after claiming their association had ended, as well as the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, in which she restated allegations that she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions when a teenager. Andrew denies the allegations and reached a financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability.
