US lawmakers say they are “extremely interested” in hearing from King Charles’ brother as he remains a person of interest in the Epstein case.
Prince Andrew could soon face an invitation from US lawmakers to testify in the ongoing FBI investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Lynch, a senior member of the US House Oversight Committee, told BBC’s Newsnight on October 21 that the committee is “extremely interested” in hearing from Andrew about his connection to the disgraced financier. When asked if an invitation would be issued, Lynch said, “We will, I’m sure.”
However, the Duke of York cannot be legally compelled to appear since he is a UK citizen. Any cooperation would need to be voluntary.
The renewed interest in Andrew’s involvement comes as pressure builds over his past relationship with Epstein, which led him to step back from royal duties and give up his title. On October 17, Buckingham Palace released a statement in which Andrew said he had spoken with the King and his family about the ongoing scrutiny. “We have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” he wrote, adding that he “vigorously denies the accusations.”
The allegations include claims that Andrew misled the public about ending his friendship with Epstein in 2010 and that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre, who said she was trafficked by Epstein as a teenager. Giuffre, who died earlier this year at 41, detailed her experiences in a posthumous memoir Nobody’s Girl, published on October 21.
US investigators and Epstein’s victims are urging Andrew to testify. Lynch said the committee has spoken with several survivors who shared close ties with Giuffre, and her memoir has deepened their resolve to seek accountability.
Annie Farmer, another Epstein survivor, appealed directly to Andrew: “This is a moment. If he wants to do right by Virginia and the rest of us, he could do something different.”
