U.K. Prime Minister Urges Former Prince Andrew to Testify in Epstein Inquiry

Pressure is mounting on former Prince Andrew to provide evidence to a U.S. congressional committee investigating the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The call for his testimony intensified after U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that individuals with relevant information should cooperate with investigators.

During a press conference at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Starmer refrained from discussing Andrew specifically but emphasized a general principle of accountability. “I don’t comment on his particular case,” he stated. “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 kinds of cases should give that evidence to those that need it.”

The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has not responded to a request from the House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview” regarding his “long-standing friendship” with Epstein. In a significant move last month, Andrew lost his royal titles and honors, a decision made to distance the royal family from his controversial association with Epstein.

Starmer’s comments followed statements from committee members, including Rep. Robert Garcia from California and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia. They accused Andrew of “continuing to hide” from critical inquiries. In their joint statement released on Friday, they asserted, “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. We will get justice for the survivors.”

The investigation into Epstein’s network has drawn significant attention, with authorities keen on uncovering the extent of his connections and the alleged complicity of high-profile individuals. As pressure mounts, the implications of Andrew’s refusal to testify could further complicate his already tarnished reputation.

Calls for accountability come amidst an ongoing societal dialogue about the importance of transparency and justice in cases involving powerful figures. The outcome of this inquiry could have lasting effects not only for Andrew but also for the broader discourse surrounding accountability for those connected to Epstein’s crimes.