Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing growing pressure from US officials and the family of his prominent accuser Virginia Giuffre to testify in the US about his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to the BBC, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna said the Royal Family had not been transparent, while Democratic Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez stated that King Charles III should direct his brother to go to the US to answer questions.
On Monday, the King said the Royal Family were ready to support police in their inquiries. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 containing no admission of liability.
In the King's first intervention in the latest round of revelations in the Epstein scandal, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that if approached by the police, they stood ready to support them in their investigation. It added the King had made clear...his profound concern over allegations against his brother, and the King and Queen's thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.
Thames Valley Police announced on Monday it was assessing a complaint by anti-monarchy group Republic over the alleged sharing of confidential material by Andrew with Epstein. The former prince appears to have knowingly shared confidential information with Epstein from his official work as trade envoy in 2010 and 2011, according to material in the latest release of files seen by the BBC.
Andrew has been contacted for comment but is yet to respond.
When asked by the BBC if the former prince should go to the US, Khanna stated that would be appropriate. The Congressman, who co-sponsored the law that compelled the Justice Department to release the Epstein files last year, also emphasized the Royal Family should come clean about what they knew and what actions they plan to take.
Khanna remarked that the Royal Family, which possesses substantial wealth, should consider compensating the survivors of the abuses perpetrated under Epstein's influence. He criticized the family for finally seeking an investigation, noting that the victims of Epstein have been denied justice.
The latest emails released by the US Department of Justice reveal multiple unsuccessful attempts by US authorities for Andrew to assist with the Epstein inquiries. Frustration is growing as he cannot be compelled by a subpoena to appear in the US.
Following the release of additional documents related to Epstein, including claims that a second woman was sent to the UK by him for a sexual encounter with Andrew, scrutiny of the prince has intensified. Newly released photographs appearing to show him kneeling over a female, though fully clothed, have further compounded concerns.
Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that being mentioned in the Epstein files does not imply misconduct.
