Pressure is intensifying on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, to answer questions from a U.S. congressional committee examining the crimes and connections of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to The Associated Press, the scrutiny intensified after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that, as a matter of principle, individuals with relevant knowledge should assist investigators.
Speaking to reporters traveling with him to the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, Starmer avoided commenting directly on King Charles III’s embattled younger brother. But he made his broader view unmistakable.
“I don’t comment on his particular case,’’ Starmer said. “But as a general principle I’ve held for a very long time is that anybody who has got relevant information in relation to these kind of cases should give that evidence to those that need it.’’
Mountbatten-Windsor has been under steady pressure since members of the House Oversight Committee requested he sit for a “transcribed interview” focused on his “long-standing friendship” with Epstein. According to lawmakers, he has not responded.
The calls for his cooperation come amid a broader effort by the royal family to distance itself from the fallout.
Last month, Andrew was stripped of his remaining royal titles and honors as Buckingham Palace sought to shield the monarchy from the public backlash surrounding his association with Epstein.
Starmer’s remarks added momentum to criticisms already voiced by lawmakers leading the inquiry.
Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the committee’s ranking Democrat, and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia said Andrew “continues to hide” from important 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,” they said in a statement released Friday. “We will get justice for the survivors.”
The committee has continued its efforts to gather testimony from key figures connected to Epstein, signaling that its investigation will proceed regardless of whether Andrew chooses to participate.
