Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under renewed pressure from US lawmakers and relatives of Virginia Giuffre to testify in the United States over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In an interview with the BBC, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna criticized the Royal Family for what he described as a lack of transparency. He suggested it would be appropriate for Andrew to appear before US authorities. Fellow Democrat Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez went further, urging King Charles III to instruct his brother to travel to the US and answer questions before Congress.
On Monday, Buckingham Palace signaled a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement. A spokesperson said the Royal Family stood “ready to support” police if formally approached. The statement added that the King had expressed “profound concern” over the allegations involving his brother and that both the King and Queen’s thoughts remain with victims of abuse.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In 2022, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, without admitting liability.
The latest developments follow a new release of documents linked to the Epstein investigation. According to materials reviewed by the BBC, Andrew appeared to have shared confidential information with Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy between 2010 and 2011. Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing a complaint filed by anti-monarchy group Republic concerning the alleged disclosure of sensitive material.
Andrew has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
Khanna, who co-sponsored legislation that led to the public release of Epstein-related files last year, argued that the Royal Family should clarify what it knew and what actions it intends to take. He also suggested that financial compensation for survivors should be considered.
He described the current situation as a significant test for the monarchy and said that stripping Andrew of official titles would not be sufficient. “The King has to answer what he knew,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Andrew has reportedly left his residence in Windsor and is temporarily staying at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate while renovations are carried out at his permanent home.
Congresswoman Leger Fernandez, chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, called for greater accountability. Speaking to the BBC’s Newsnight, she said Andrew should appear before the US House Oversight Committee. She rejected the idea that being outside US jurisdiction shields him from scrutiny and also urged authorities in England to open their own inquiry.
Sky Roberts, the brother of Virginia Giuffre, echoed those demands, stating that Andrew should testify before Congress. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has also expressed support for further questioning.
Newly released emails from the US Department of Justice indicate that American authorities made several unsuccessful attempts to secure Andrew’s cooperation during earlier stages of the Epstein investigation. However, legal experts note that he cannot be compelled to travel to the United States through a subpoena.
Last autumn, congressional Democrats set a deadline for Andrew to provide testimony about his knowledge of Epstein’s activities, but no response was given.
The release of millions of additional documents has intensified scrutiny. Among the claims are allegations that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter involving Andrew. Photographs included in the recent document release reportedly show Andrew and a woman in a compromising but fully clothed position. No findings of misconduct have been established in connection with these images.
Andrew continues to strongly deny all allegations. Being mentioned in the Epstein files does not, in itself, constitute proof of wrongdoing.
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