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US officials demand Prince Andrew's testimony
Pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew to appear before US authorities regarding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as American lawmakers and the family of accuser Virginia Giuffre intensify calls for accountability.
Royal Family's response under scrutiny
King Charles III broke his silence on Monday, stating the Royal Family would cooperate with any police investigation. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the King's "profound concern" over allegations against his brother and reiterated support for abuse victims. However, critics argue the response lacks transparency.
Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna, who helped push for the release of Epstein-related files, told the BBC the Royal Family had "not been transparent" and should "come clean" about their knowledge of the scandal. He suggested the monarchy should financially compensate survivors, calling the situation the "most vulnerable" moment for the British institution in recent history.
Calls for US testimony grow
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, urged King Charles to direct Andrew to testify before the US House Oversight Committee. "You cannot hide behind jurisdiction," she said, arguing Andrew could provide critical details about Epstein's associates.
Virginia Giuffre's brother, Sky Roberts, echoed the demand, telling reporters: "He should show up in front of Congress and answer questions." Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also backed the call for testimony.
"These women have been denied justice. The King has to answer what he knew."
Ro Khanna, US Congressman
Allegations and legal hurdles
Newly released US Department of Justice documents reveal multiple failed attempts to secure Andrew's cooperation in Epstein investigations. As a foreign national, he cannot be compelled by a US subpoena, frustrating lawmakers who set a November deadline for his testimony-ignored without response.
Thames Valley Police are separately assessing a complaint by anti-monarchy group Republic, alleging Andrew shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as UK trade envoy (2010-2011). The former prince has not commented on the latest allegations.
Andrew settled a lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability and has consistently denied wrongdoing. The latest Epstein files include photographs of Andrew with a woman, though no evidence of misconduct has been proven.
Andrew's current status
The Duke of York has relocated from Windsor to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate while his permanent residence undergoes renovations. Buckingham Palace has not addressed whether he will comply with US requests for testimony.
