British PM Urges Former Prince Andrew to Testify in Epstein Inquiry

Former Prince Andrew is facing increasing pressure to provide testimony to a U.S. congressional committee investigating the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The call for his cooperation was amplified by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who indicated that individuals with relevant information should assist investigators. While Starmer refrained from commenting on Andrew’s specific situation during a press briefing at the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, he emphasized the importance of contributing evidence in such cases.

“I don’t comment on his particular case,” Starmer stated. “But as a general principle, I’ve held for a very long time that anybody who has got relevant information in relation to these kinds of cases should give that evidence to those that need it.” His remarks come as Andrew, now formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has not responded to a request from the House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview” regarding his “long-standing friendship” with Epstein.

The former prince was stripped of his royal titles and honors in August 2023 as the royal family sought to distance itself from the growing controversy surrounding his ties to Epstein. Following the prime minister’s comments, members of the House Oversight Committee, including Rep. Robert Garcia from California and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia, expressed frustration at Andrew’s continued silence.

In a statement released on September 15, 2023, they noted, “Andrew continues to hide from serious questions. Our work will move forward with or without him, and we will hold anyone who was involved in these crimes accountable, no matter their wealth, status, or political party. We will get justice for the survivors.”

The ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network has drawn considerable attention, particularly in light of the high-profile individuals associated with him. The committee is determined to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s activities and the involvement of others, underscoring their commitment to ensuring accountability.

As this situation unfolds, the implications for Andrew and the broader royal family remain significant. The pressure to testify could further impact his standing and the royal family’s efforts to mitigate the reputational damage stemming from Epstein’s actions. The public and media will likely continue to monitor developments closely as the congressional inquiry progresses.