In brief
Prince Andrew is under intense pressure from US lawmakers and the family of his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, to testify about his associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Congressman Ro Khanna and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez have voiced that the Royal Family must come clean about what they know, with calls for Andrew to answer questions in the US. King Charles III expresses a willingness to support the police investigation but faces criticism over the family's lack of transparency. Andrew, who has denied any wrongdoing, faces mounting evidence relating to his past interactions with Epstein and calls for accountability.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing growing pressure from US officials and the family of his prominent accuser Virginia Giuffre to testify in the US about his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to the BBC, Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna said the Royal Family had not been transparent, while Democrat Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez stated King Charles III should direct his brother to go to the US to answer questions.
Earlier on Tuesday, the King said the Royal Family were ready to support police in their inquiries.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022, which did not include any admission of liability.
In the King's first intervention regarding the latest revelations in the Epstein scandal, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson indicated that, if approached by the police, they would stand ready to support them in their investigation. The spokesperson also mentioned the King's profound concern over allegations against his brother and reassured that the King and Queen's thoughts and sympathies remain with all abuse victims.
Thames Valley Police stated they were assessing a complaint by the anti-monarchy group Republic concerning the alleged sharing of confidential material by Andrew with Epstein.
Andrew reportedly shared confidential information with Epstein from his official work as trade envoy in 2010 and 2011, according to newly released documents seen by the BBC.
Khanna has argued that the Royal Family must come clean about their knowledge and what actions they will take regarding the situation, adding that they should compensate survivors impacted by the allegations surrounding Epstein.
As pressure mounts, Andrew's situation has intensified, especially after claims surfaced that a second woman was sent by Jeffrey Epstein to the UK for an encounter with him, alongside photos released depicting compromising positions involving Andrew.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his stance amidst increasing scrutiny and public demand for accountability.
