US officials have criticized Andrew Mountbatten Windsor for staying silent during an investigation into his connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers are urging the former prince to travel to the US and provide testimony about his longstanding friendship with Epstein as part of a broader inquiry into Epstein’s criminal activities. Andrew, who has had his royal and military titles revoked, was requested by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to participate in a transcribed interview, which he has denied.
A letter signed by 16 members of Congress was sent to Andrew earlier this month, setting a response deadline of November 20. However, two committee members stated that he failed to meet this deadline. Ranking member Robert Garcia and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam criticized Andrew for his silence, noting that while the committee lacks the authority to compel non-US citizens to testify, they believe Andrew should respond to the allegations against him.
Despite facing escalating pressure, including allegations from Virginia Giuffre in a posthumous memoir, Andrew denied any wrongdoing. Following the book’s release, Andrew voluntarily relinquished his Duke of York title. In a move orchestrated by King Charles in October, Andrew was stripped of all royal honors and titles, including prince, and was asked to leave the Royal Lodge mansion.
In a related development, President Donald Trump signed legislation allowing the release of the Epstein files after facing criticism for delaying their disclosure. The decision came after a decisive House vote and unanimous Senate endorsement, as pressure mounted for the documents to be made public.
