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US lawmakers are demanding that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, recently stripped of his title as Prince Andrew, answer questions about his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles removed Andrew’s royal title on Thursday after growing criticism over his ties to Epstein. Andrew continues to deny all allegations.
Four Democrats on the House Oversight Committee told the BBC they want Andrew to testify before Congress about what he knows.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam said Andrew could appear by video, with a lawyer, and even speak privately. He added that many victims have mentioned Andrew’s name and that “no one should be exempt, American or not.”
Another member, Raja Krishnamoorthi, said he would be willing to subpoena Andrew, though that would be hard to enforce while Andrew remains in the UK. He urged Andrew to come voluntarily: “Come clean. Come before the US Congress, testify, and tell us what you know.”
Congressman Stephen Lynch agreed that Andrew’s evidence might help bring justice for the victims but admitted the committee cannot currently compel him to appear.
Two of Epstein’s accusers, Liz Stein and Anouska De Georgiou, also said Andrew should cooperate. Stein said, “If he has nothing to hide, then why is he hiding?”
UK trade minister Chris Bryant echoed their view, saying Andrew should go to the US if invited, just like any ordinary person.
Meanwhile, Britain’s police watchdog said it had contacted the Metropolitan Police to see whether they should investigate reports that Andrew tried to get private information about Virginia Giuffre, his accuser, through his police protection team in 2011. The police have not yet confirmed any investigation.
Newly released US court papers show that in 2010 Andrew emailed Epstein saying it would be “good to catch up in person” after Epstein’s release from prison. The two were photographed in Central Park later that year, in what Andrew later claimed was a meeting to end their friendship.
The Palace said the King’s decision to strip Andrew of his titles was “necessary” despite Andrew’s continued denials, adding that their “sympathies remain with all victims of abuse.”
Pressure on the monarchy had been growing since October when old emails surfaced showing Andrew still in touch with Epstein in 2011. Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir also renewed public attention, repeating her claims that she was forced to have sex with Andrew when she was a teenager.
Andrew has now been told to move out of his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, and relocate to the King’s Norfolk estate, possibly early next year.
A black Land Rover with his “DOY” number plate was seen leaving the Windsor grounds on Saturday morning. “DOY” stands for Duke of York, a title that Mountbatten-Windsor is supposed to be no longer using.
Source: BBC.
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