A request for questioning directed at Britain’s Prince Andrew regarding his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein has been met with silence. U.S. lawmakers, frustrated by the lack of response, announced the former prince failed to meet a deadline to provide testimony.
Sixteen Democratic members of Congress extended the invitation for a “transcribed interview” as part of an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s crimes. The committee sought answers concerning the nature of Andrew’s relationship with the convicted sex offender, who died by suicide while facing sex trafficking allegations in 2019.
The request came with a November 20th deadline, but the possibility of compliance was always slim. U.S. Congress lacks the authority to compel testimony from individuals outside the country, leaving the decision entirely in Andrew’s hands.
Now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor after being stripped of his royal titles by King Charles III due to the Epstein scandal, his refusal to engage has drawn sharp criticism. Committee members Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyan stated his silence “speaks volumes.”
The committee’s investigation, fueled by recently released emails and the posthumous memoir of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, has intensified scrutiny of Andrew’s connections to Epstein. Giuffre’s detailed accounts have reignited public outrage in the UK.
Giuffre publicly accused Andrew of sexual assault, alleging she was trafficked to him on three separate occasions, including when she was a minor. Andrew has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining his innocence.
A multi-million-pound settlement was reached with Giuffre in 2022, resolving a lawsuit she filed against Andrew. Crucially, this settlement did not include any admission of guilt on his part.
Tragically, Virginia Giuffre died by suicide at her home in Australia earlier this year, adding another layer of sorrow to this complex case. Her death has only strengthened the resolve of those seeking justice.
Despite Andrew’s silence, Garcia and Subramanyan affirmed the committee’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of Epstein’s network. They vowed to continue their work regardless of his participation.
“We will hold anyone who was involved in these crimes accountable, no matter their wealth, status, or political party,” they declared, emphasizing their dedication to achieving justice for the survivors of Epstein’s abuse.
