Democratic members of the United States Congress have called on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to provide testimony as part of their ongoing inquiry into the activities of convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In a letter sent to Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate Andrew was directed to vacate after losing his princely title on 30 October, members of the House Oversight Committee requested his cooperation in their investigation.
Although the committee lacks the authority to compel his appearance, it stated that it wishes to question Andrew about Epstein’s associates and wider network, citing the pair’s “longstanding” relationship.
Andrew lost his royal titles following growing public and political pressure over his association with Epstein. He has consistently denied any misconduct.
The Oversight Committee, currently led by Republicans, has not expressed support for the Democrats’ request for Andrew to appear before them.
The letter, endorsed by sixteen Democratic lawmakers, urged Andrew to participate in a “transcribed interview” with the committee investigating the Epstein case.
“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 read.
“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.
“In the interest of justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, we request that you co-operate with the committee’s investigation by sitting for a transcribed interview with the committee.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented that the decision was one for Andrew to make “personally.”
“My view, and this is not about the individual case, more broadly, is that anybody who has relevant information should always be willing to give it to whatever inquiries need that information.
“But the individual decision is a matter for him.”
Spencer Kuvin, an attorney representing several of Epstein’s victims, said he doubted Andrew would “put himself at risk” by appearing before Congress.
He explained that anyone testifying before Congress must swear an oath to tell the truth and could face prosecution for “lying under oath.”
Still, Kuvin added that by identifying people he saw at Epstein’s properties and “validating” claims made by accusers, Andrew could assist in revealing possible co-conspirators.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was “right” for Andrew to appear before Congress regarding his Epstein ties.
“He should also give evidence to our Parliament. The public deserve answers and full transparency about this scandal,” he wrote on X.
In late October, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew would no longer hold the title of “prince” and would vacate Royal Lodge due to the ongoing controversy surrounding his relationship with Epstein.
This followed Andrew’s earlier statement that he had chosen to relinquish his titles, including Duke of York.
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first,” he said, noting that the decision came after consulting with the King.
In her posthumous memoir released in October, Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers reiterated claims that she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times as a teenager. Andrew has denied these allegations.
The committee referenced those accusations in its letter, urging Andrew to agree to an interview “given these recent events and the appalling allegations that have come to light from Ms Giuffre’s memoir and other reliable sources.”
Several lawmakers had already stepped up demands for Andrew to answer questions about his connection to Epstein shortly after he was stripped of his royal titles.
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