London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly urged former Prince Andrew to appear before a United States congressional committee and offer testimony regarding his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of a trove of U.S. Justice Department files that have reignited scrutiny of the former royal’s past associations.
In remarks that mark an unusually direct comment on a matter involving a member of the British royal family, Starmer said the decision to come forward was ultimately up to Andrew now styled as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor but underscored that anyone with relevant information should cooperate with investigators probing the full scope of Epstein’s network. The prime minister emphasized the need to support survivors and clarify unanswered questions about the decades-long scandal.
The appeal from Starmer follows the disclosure of newly released documents showing that Andrew maintained frequent contact with Epstein even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution, including discussions of business matters and social meetings. Redacted images within the files also reportedly depict the former prince in compromising situations with an unidentified woman, raising fresh questions about the nature of their relationship.
Andrew has long denied any wrongdoing and previously claimed that he cut ties with Epstein after a 2010 encounter, but the newly disclosed material appears to contradict that assertion. Despite repeated requests from members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview,” Andrew has not agreed to provide testimony. U.S. lawmakers, while acknowledging they cannot compel a foreign national to appear before Congress, have continued to call on the former royal to volunteer his cooperation, arguing that his insights could help complete the investigative record.
Starmer’s intervention represents a significant moment in the ongoing international dimensions of the Epstein saga. By advocating for Andrew’s testimony before a foreign legislative body, the British prime minister has aligned himself with growing calls for greater transparency and accountability especially as survivors and legal advocates press for comprehensive disclosure of all relevant evidence connected to Epstein’s crimes.
Although Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and residence by King Charles III amid the fallout from the Epstein revelations, the political pressure persists on both sides of the Atlantic. In the United States, several Democratic lawmakers are pushing for Andrew to voluntarily testify, with some suggesting that remote testimony or private depositions could be options if a physical appearance in Washington proves unfeasible.
Critics of Andrew’s continued silence argue that failing to engage with the congressional inquiry undermines efforts to provide justice for Epstein’s victims and deepens public mistrust. Supporters of compelling testimony maintain that, even without legal authority to enforce attendance, public and political pressure could motivate cooperation that might help demystify longstanding unanswered questions about Epstein’s extensive network of influential contacts.
As the debate plays out, Starmer’s call for transparency underscores a broader shift in how political leaders are approaching the ramifications of the Epstein files emphasizing victim support, accountability, and the importance of cooperation from individuals with potentially crucial insights into one of the most notorious criminal networks of recent decades.