Former Duke Faces Mounting Pressure Over Epstein Links
The former Prince Andrew has been condemned by American politicians for his complete silence as their investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein intensifies. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles and faces eviction from his 30-room Windsor mansion in weeks, failed to respond to a formal request from US Congress members to provide evidence about his long-standing connection with Epstein.
Congressional Deadline Passes Without Response
Members of the powerful House Oversight Committee had sent a letter earlier this month signed by sixteen congress members, requesting Andrew participate in a transcribed interview by November 20. The committee, which serves as the primary investigative body in the US House of Representatives, is examining Epstein's activities and how American authorities handled his case.
Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges, with authorities ruling his death a suicide. Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations made against him regarding his association with Epstein.
After the deadline passed without any communication from the former duke, Democratic Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam issued a strongly worded statement. Their declaration accused Andrew's silence of "speaking volumes" about his unwillingness to cooperate with their inquiry.
Lawmakers Vow to Continue Investigation
The congressional statement highlighted that documents reviewed by the committee, combined with public records and testimony from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, have raised serious questions that Andrew must answer. Despite this, lawmakers noted he "continues to hide" from their investigation.
The politicians emphasised that their work would proceed regardless of Andrew's cooperation, promising to hold accountable anyone involved in Epstein's crimes "no matter their wealth, status, or political party." They reaffirmed their commitment to obtaining justice for survivors of Epstein's abuse.
Legally, the committee lacks authority to compel testimony from non-US citizens residing outside American jurisdiction, meaning Andrew faced no legal obligation to respond to their request.
This development follows closely after King Charles removed Andrew's royal titles, with Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir being released shortly thereafter. Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, had accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her on three occasions when she was a teenager – allegations the former prince continues to strongly deny.
In a related development, Donald Trump recently signed legislation authorising the release of Epstein files after months of apparent obstruction. The president yielded to mounting pressure following a 427-1 House vote and unanimous Senate endorsement of the measure.
Meanwhile, Andrew's personal circumstances continue to deteriorate. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who relinquished her royal title alongside Andrew, currently faces her own uncertain future. While both still reside at Royal Lodge, they reportedly sleep at opposite ends of the massive property and are set to separate permanently when Andrew moves to a smaller property on the Sandringham estate after New Year.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich described Ferguson as "massively on edge" and "panicking" about her housing situation. The former duchess has been disowned by every charity she supported and faces ongoing public outrage due to her association with the Epstein scandal.
