U.S. lawmakers intensify calls for Andrew to address Epstein ties

Members of a U.S. congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have stepped up pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to answer questions about his relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender, the BBC reported on Saturday.

King Charles removed Andrew’s title of prince and evicted him from his residence on the Windsor Castle estate on Thursday, following years of public anger and damaging reports surrounding the royal’s conduct.

Buckingham Palace said the disciplinary actions were necessary, even though Andrew has consistently denied all allegations made against him.

In the United States, the King’s decision has intensified calls for Andrew to disclose everything he knows about Epstein, especially in light of the palace’s recent statement expressing sympathy for victims of abuse.

According to the BBC, at least four Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee, which is examining how U.S. authorities handled the Epstein case, have renewed calls for Andrew to testify.

Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi was quoted as saying: “Come clean, come before the U.S. Congress, testify voluntarily — don’t wait for a subpoena. Come and tell us what you know. Not only to bring justice to survivors but to make sure this never happens again.”

Another committee member, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, suggested that Andrew could give evidence remotely, with legal representation, and speak to the panel in private.

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.

Meanwhile, UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant told the BBC on Friday that Andrew should travel to the United States to answer questions about his connection to Epstein.

Separately, on Saturday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) — the police watchdog for England and Wales — said it had contacted the Metropolitan Police in response to media reports about Andrew to “understand whether any matters meet the threshold for a referral to us.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said that officers had previously determined in 2016 that “other jurisdictions and organisations” were better positioned to investigate the allegations, and therefore decided not to launch a full criminal inquiry.

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