UK Prime Minister Urges Prince Andrew to Face US Questions Over Epstein Files
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged former Prince Andrew on Sunday to cooperate with United States investigators following the release of damaging new documents. The British leader emphasized the need for a victim focused approach after files surfaced suggesting the disgraced royal maintained ties with Jeffrey Epstein long after the financier was convicted.
Years of Scandal Have Isolated Former Royal From Public Life
This latest development follows a decade of scrutiny regarding the Duke of York’s friendship with the convicted sex offender. Andrew settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre in 2022, he paid a significant sum without admitting liability. King Charles III subsequently removed his brother’s military titles and patronages to protect the reputation of the monarchy. Tensions heightened recently when United States authorities began unsealing final batches of evidence, these documents have renewed questions about who else participated in the trafficking network. The release of these files has reignited public outrage, it places fresh pressure on political leaders to demand accountability.
Justice Department Files Reveal Photographs and Emails Linking Andrew to Offender
The Department of Justice released fresh evidence on Friday, it includes emails showing Andrew communicated with Epstein for two years after the financier's 2008 conviction. The release also contains redacted photographs that appear to show the former prince touching an unidentified woman on the floor of a residence owned by Epstein. Prime Minister Starmer addressed these findings on Sunday, he stated that anyone with information must help victims regardless of their status or position. Starmer insisted that individuals should share truth "in whatever form they are asked to do that" to assist the ongoing investigation.
Lawmakers Push for Formal Deposition
American officials have intensified their requests for cooperation alongside these revelations. Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, formally requested that Andrew sit for a deposition to explain the nature of his visits. A referenced report from 2010 alleges a woman was trafficked to London for a sexual encounter with Andrew, this visit reportedly included a tour of Buckingham Palace. Starmer noted that the decision to apologize or testify ultimately rests with Andrew himself.
Monarchy Faces Renewed Scrutiny As Legal Pressure Mounts
These demands place the Royal Family in a difficult diplomatic position regarding the United States. King Charles III has already evicted Andrew from his Royal Lodge residence, yet this new evidence demands further separation. Legal experts suggest that ignoring a congressional subpoena could cause significant reputational damage, this forces the palace to decide between protecting a family member or supporting international justice efforts.
Observers expect continued pressure from victim advocacy groups as investigators process the remaining sealed files. Officials urge the former royal to volunteer his testimony before subpoenas force a diplomatic standoff.
