In brief
Prince Andrew faces increasing pressure from US lawmakers and the family of accuser Virginia Giuffre to testify about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Congressman Ro Khanna and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez have emphasized the need for transparency from the Royal Family. King Charles III has stated the family is prepared to support inquiries, yet Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing, following a prior out-of-court settlement with Giuffre. The situation raises significant concerns regarding the Royal Family's openness and the implications for Andrew's past actions.
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 said 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 said if they were 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 said that would be appropriate. The Congressman, who co-sponsored the law that compelled the justice department to release the Epstein files last year, also said the Royal Family should come clean and lay out what they knew and what action they're going to take.Khanna stated, They have a large wealth, they should probably be compensating these survivors for the horrors that have taken place. He remarked that the Royal Family were finally asking for an investigation, stressing that these women have been denied justice.The pressure is compounded by the emergence of new documents related to Epstein, indicating that another woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew. Furthermore, newly released emails suggest multiple unsuccessful attempts by US authorities for Andrew to assist with Epstein inquiries.Ultimately, Andrew cannot be forced to testify under a subpoena in the US, which has frustrated many. Following the release of three million more documents related to Epstein, allegations regarding Andrew's involvement have intensified, stressing the urgency for accountability and transparency from the royal family.
