Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly stated that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should provide testimony before the United States Congress concerning his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This call comes in the wake of a significant release of documents by the US justice department, which shed new light on the extent of their relationship.
New Revelations from Epstein Files
Among the details uncovered in the recent document tranche is evidence suggesting that Mountbatten-Windsor extended an invitation to Epstein for a visit to Buckingham Palace in September 2010. This occurred two years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting underage girls, raising serious questions about the judgement involved.
The files also include emails indicating that, prior to this invitation, Epstein had proposed arranging a dinner for Mountbatten-Windsor with a young Russian woman described as clever and beautiful. Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly responded with enthusiasm, expressing he would be delighted to meet her.
Starmer's Stance on Accountability
While attending a meeting in Japan, Prime Minister Starmer was questioned by journalists regarding whether the former prince should apologise to Epstein's victims and cooperate with investigations. Starmer emphasised that the victims must remain the central focus of any proceedings.
He stated, "I have always approached this question with the victims of Epstein in mind. Epstein's victims have to be the first priority. As for whether there should be an apology, that's a matter for Andrew. But yes, in terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that."
Continued Associations and Fallout
The documents reveal that Mountbatten-Windsor maintained contact with Epstein even after his conviction, including being pictured together in New York's Central Park later in 2010. Contrary to his claims in a 2019 interview that he travelled to end the friendship, emails show a star-studded dinner was arranged in his honour at Epstein's New York residence during that trip.
Further correspondence indicates that Mountbatten-Windsor continued to send intimate family photographs featuring his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to Epstein. This ongoing association has contributed to his and his former wife Sarah Ferguson's ostracisation from royal circles.
Broader Implications for British Figures
The newly released files also implicate other prominent British individuals. They disclose that Epstein transferred funds to the husband of Labour peer Peter Mandelson following his conviction, allegedly to support an osteopathy course. Additionally, Lord Mandelson requested accommodation at one of Epstein's properties while Epstein was serving his initial jail term.
Lord Mandelson has since acknowledged that maintaining his association with Epstein was a mistake, though he maintains he was never complicit in Epstein's crimes. His dismissal as UK ambassador to the US last September followed revelations of supportive messages sent to Epstein after his offences became public.
Richard Branson's Involvement
The documents also reveal that Richard Branson met with Epstein in 2013 at his private Necker Island, offering advice on reputation restoration. In an email, Branson made light-hearted comments about Epstein's social habits, though a Virgin Group spokesperson has clarified that due diligence led to severed ties once serious allegations emerged.
The spokesperson emphasised, "Richard believes that Epstein's actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims."
Legal and Political Repercussions
Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, previously settled a lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre for a reported £12 million, though he admitted no liability and continues to deny any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, US Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has accused him of evading meaningful investigation.
As these documents continue to be analysed, the pressure mounts for full transparency and accountability from all individuals connected to Epstein's network, highlighting ongoing concerns about influence and justice in high-profile cases.
