Andrew faces scrutiny as new Epstein emails emerge and Democrats demand testimony
Democrats investigating Jeffrey Epstein have renewed calls for Britain’s former Prince Andrew to answer questions about his ties to the disgraced financier, following King Charles’s decision to strip Andrew of his royal title. The pressure comes after new emails surfaced suggesting Andrew proposed a “catch-up” with Epstein just months after the convicted pedophile was released from prison.
Several Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee urged Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to voluntarily testify before Congress. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., said that if Andrew “wants to do right by the victims, he will come forward,” noting his name appeared repeatedly in survivors’ accounts. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., echoed the calls, emphasizing that his testimony could help secure justice for Epstein’s victims. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., also said Andrew “should be called to testify.” No Republicans on the committee have made similar calls, and no formal subpoena has been issued.
The newly released emails, unsealed Friday, show that in April 2010, less than a year after Epstein’s release from prison for soliciting minors, Andrew suggested meeting in person. Epstein had proposed a meeting with American banker Jes Staley in London, but Andrew indicated he would be abroad and might visit New York later in the year. Photos later showed Andrew and Epstein together in Central Park in December 2010, despite Andrew previously claiming the meeting marked the end of their friendship.
Another email, reported by British newspapers but not independently verified, allegedly sent by Andrew to Epstein in 2011, reads: “We are in this together. Play some more soon.” These messages have intensified scrutiny, particularly after Andrew was formally stripped of his Duke of York title, his princely status, and effectively removed from his longtime residence.
The renewed attention also follows the posthumous publication of Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, detailing allegations that Andrew sexually assaulted her when she was 17. Andrew settled a civil case with Giuffre in February 2022 for an undisclosed sum, though he has repeatedly denied meeting her or that a widely circulated photograph of them is genuine.
Meanwhile, Prince William is set to travel to Brazil next week for an environmental award ceremony, aiming to shift focus away from his uncle and one of the most damaging royal scandals in recent history.
Comments
Post a Comment