Andrew, Duke of York, Faces US Congressional Inquiry Over Epstein Ties
A US congressional committee has requested a formal interview with andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, as part of its ongoing inquiry into the crimes of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The inquiry intensifies scrutiny of the royal’s long-standing relationship with Epstein and seeks to uncover the full extent of the financier’s criminal network.
The House Oversight Committee, comprised of 16 Democrats, sent a letter to Andrew at Royal Lodge, Windsor Great Park – a residence he has agreed to vacate – requesting a “transcribed interview.” While the committee lacks the authority to compel his testimony, it emphasized the importance of his potential knowledge regarding Epstein’s activities and associates.
“The committee is seeking to uncover the identities of Mr Epstein’s co-conspirators and enablers and to understand the full extent of his criminal operations,” the letter stated. “Well-documented allegations against you,along with your long-standing friendship with Mr Epstein,indicate that you may possess knowledge of his activities relevant to our investigation.”
The request comes after months of mounting pressure stemming from Andrew’s association with Epstein, ultimately leading to his removal of royal titles last month. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Andrew Mountbatten windsor, as he is now officially known, relinquished his “prince” title, as well as the title of Duke of York, amid the controversy.
The committee’s inquiry also addresses allegations made by Virginia Giuffre,a prominent accuser of Epstein,who detailed instances of alleged sexual abuse involving Andrew in her posthumously published memoir in October. Andrew continues to deny these accusations. The letter specifically referenced these “appalling allegations” as justification for seeking his cooperation.
However, the committee is currently controlled by Republicans, who have not publicly signaled their support for the Democrats’ request. This raises questions about the likelihood of the interview proceeding.
Calls for Andrew to answer questions about his links to Epstein have grown since he was stripped of his royal title. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, stated it was “right” that Andrew appear before Congress, adding, “He should also give evidence to our Parliament. The public deserve answers and full openness about this scandal,” in a post on X.
Buckingham Palace announced last month that Andrew would lose his prince title and leave his Royal Lodge home as his links to Epstein continued to cause controversy. The unfolding situation continues to cast a shadow over the British monarchy and raises critical questions about accountability and transparency in the wake of the Epstein scandal.
