US lawmakers have criticized Andrew Mountbatten Windsor for remaining silent amidst an investigation into his connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Calls have been made for the former prince to testify about his long-standing friendship with Epstein as part of a broader probe into the crimes committed by the financier. Facing escalating pressure both in the UK and internationally, Andrew has been stripped of all his royal and military titles.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform invited the disgraced ex-royal to participate in a transcribed interview, a request he has vehemently denied. Despite a letter signed by 16 members of Congress setting a response deadline for November 20, Andrew has not complied with this timeline, as confirmed by two committee members.
Ranking member Robert Garcia and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, both Democrats, condemned Andrew’s silence, emphasizing the significance of his response to the allegations brought against him. While the committee lacks the authority to compel non-US citizens or foreign nationals outside the US to testify, Andrew was not legally obligated to provide a response.
In a joint statement, lawmakers expressed their determination to pursue justice for the victims, with or without Andrew’s cooperation. The release of a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre further intensified the pressure on Andrew, who had already renounced his Duke of York title prior to the book’s publication.
In October, King Charles announced the removal of Andrew’s royal titles and privileges, including his status as a prince and his exclusion from the Royal Lodge estate. This decision followed Andrew’s denial of all accusations against him.
In a related development, Donald Trump signed legislation enabling the release of the Epstein files after months of delay. The bill gained overwhelming support with a 427-1 House vote and unanimous Senate endorsement, leading to Trump’s eventual agreement under mounting public pressure.