Mounting Pressure on Prince Andrew to Testify in Epstein Inquiry
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is facing increasing calls to appear before a US Congressional inquiry investigating the activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The renewed scrutiny follows the release of photographs depicting the former prince in compromising situations with a woman reportedly linked to Epstein.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly joined the chorus urging the former royal to provide testimony to Congress. Starmer’s stance emphasises the need for anyone with relevant information to cooperate with investigations, particularly in light of the impact on Epstein’s victims. “Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that,” Starmer stated. “You can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that. Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority.”
New Allegations Surface
Adding to the pressure, a second woman has come forward with allegations that she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew. The alleged incident, according to her lawyer speaking to the BBC, took place in 2010 at Royal Lodge, the former prince’s residence. The BBC has stated it approached Prince Andrew for comment regarding these claims.
Leaked Documents Reveal Deeper Connections
The US Department of Justice’s recent release of documents has shed further light on Prince Andrew’s enduring friendship with Epstein. These documents include the newly surfaced photographs and an email exchange that reveals Epstein’s offer to introduce the prince to a “beautiful, trustworthy” young Russian woman.
Members of the Congressional inquiry had previously written to Prince Andrew in November of the previous year, shortly after he was stripped of his royal honours. They requested an official interview to aid their investigation and to offer support to survivors.
The “Duke” and the Russian Woman: A Closer Look at the Emails
The fresh batch of documents, stemming from years of Department of Justice investigations, contains emails exchanged between Epstein and an individual identified as “The Duke.” These emails specifically discuss arrangements for a dinner with the aforementioned Russian woman.
In an email dated August 2010, Epstein wrote to “The Duke,” suggesting: “I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with.” The reply, signed “A,” indicated availability: “Of course. I am in Geneva until the morning of 22nd but would be delighted to see her. Will she be bringing a message from you? Please give her my contact details to get in touch.”
Epstein’s response, which contained spelling and typographical errors, confirmed: “She 26, russian, clevere beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email.” The signature “A” is significant, as Prince Andrew was known as the Duke of York before the Epstein scandal led to the forfeiture of his royal honours.
While prior document releases had indicated Prince Andrew maintained contact with Epstein even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, the latest revelations highlight the continuation and apparent nature of their friendship after Epstein’s release from prison in July 2010. This contradicts Prince Andrew’s 2019 statement to the BBC that he visited Epstein in New York in December 2010 specifically to end their association. The August 2010 emails, however, show no apparent concern about the friendship at that time. In one exchange, “A” inquired of Epstein: “How are you? Good to be free?”
Congressional Inquiry Broadens its Scope
The Congressional inquiry, spearheaded by the House Oversight Committee, has been actively scrutinising high-profile figures through public hearings. The committee has also requested testimony from former US President Bill Clinton and former US Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. When the Clintons declined to appear, the committee voted to hold them in contempt of Congress.
It’s worth noting that the committee operates with a Republican majority. While the letter urging Prince Andrew’s appearance was signed by 16 Democrats, no Republicans added their names to that specific request.
The Revealing Photographs
The photographs depicting Prince Andrew with an unidentified woman, whose face is obscured, were not previously made public by the Department of Justice. The newly released file contains three images of the former prince. In these photographs, the woman is shown lying on the floor, wearing a white top and black pants. One image captures Prince Andrew on all fours over the woman, another shows him with his hands on her stomach, and a third depicts his hand on her hip.
The background of these photographs, according to the BBC, appears to be consistent with the interior of Jeffrey Epstein’s New York City mansion.
Prince Andrew’s Past Statements and Commitments
Prince Andrew has previously expressed a desire to assist survivors of sexual abuse. This sentiment was reiterated when he settled a civil claim brought against him by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, who tragically passed away in Western Australia the previous year.
In November 2019, when he stepped down from royal duties, he stated: “Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”
Furthermore, in early 2022, following the settlement of the civil case with Roberts Giuffre, his legal team issued a statement commending the bravery of survivors. The statement added: “He pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims.”
One of Epstein’s survivors, Annie Farmer, publicly called for Prince Andrew to disclose what he knows in October of the previous year. She told the BBC, “If he wants to do right by Virginia and the rest of us, he could do something different and say: ‘I have information I want to share because I believe it could be helpful’.”
