Members of a United States congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have intensified calls for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to provide testimony regarding his connections to the late sex offender.
King Charles III on Thursday stripped his brother of the title “prince” after enduring months of pressure over Andrew’s association with Epstein, allegations the Duke has consistently denied.
Following the development, at least four Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee renewed their demand for Andrew to testify.
However, the committee, controlled by Republicans, has not indicated whether it would back such a move.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam told the BBC, “If he wants to clear his name, if he wants to do right by the victims, he will come forward.”
Subramanyam noted that Andrew could appear remotely, have legal representation, and even testify privately before the panel.
“Frankly, Andrew’s name has come up many times from the victims,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday. “So he clearly has knowledge of what happened and we just want him to come forward and tell us what he knows.”
He added, “No matter who it is, American or not, everyone should be looked at.”
Fellow committee member Raja Krishnamoorthi told BBC Newsnight that he would be open to issuing a subpoena for Andrew’s testimony, although he admitted it would be difficult to enforce while Andrew remains outside the U.S.
He said on Friday, “However, if Andrew wishes to come to the United States or he’s here, then he’s subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress, and I would expect him to testify.”
He continued, “At the end of the day, we want to know exactly what happened, not just to give justice to the survivors, but to prevent this from ever happening again.”
“Come clean. Come before the U.S. Congress, voluntarily testify. Don’t wait for a subpoena. Come and testify and tell us what you know.”
Congressman Stephen Lynch also told the BBC that hearing from Andrew “might be helpful in getting justice for these survivors,” though he acknowledged that the committee currently lacked authority to compel his testimony.
Meanwhile, one of Epstein’s accusers, Liz Stein, urged Andrew to “take some initiative” and cooperate with U.S. investigators.
She told BBC Breakfast on Saturday, “A lot of us are curious as to why he’s unwilling to cooperate and be questioned about his involvement with Epstein. If he has nothing to hide, then why is he hiding?”
“We know he had a longstanding friendship with Epstein and that he was in his social circle — so he may have seen things during his involvement with Epstein that he could speak to.”
Another accuser, Anouska De Georgiou, echoed that view on Newsnight, saying Andrew’s testimony “would be appropriate for him to be treated the same as anybody else would be treated.”
UK trade minister Chris Bryant also told the BBC that Andrew should go to the U.S. and answer questions if invited, “just as with any ordinary member of the public.”
Meanwhile, Britain’s police watchdog said it had contacted the Metropolitan Police to determine whether it should investigate matters relating to Andrew, following recent media reports.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed it had reached out to Scotland Yard’s Directorate of Professional Standards last week and was awaiting a response.
Reports that surfaced in mid-October alleged that Andrew sought to obtain personal details about his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, through his police protection officers in 2011.
Andrew has not commented on those claims, while the Metropolitan Police said it was “actively” reviewing them.
Separately, newly released U.S. court documents revealed that in 2010, Andrew emailed Epstein saying it would be “good to catch up in person” following Epstein’s release from prison for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The pair were later photographed together in New York’s Central Park that December, a meeting Andrew later told the BBC was intended to end their friendship.
Andrew’s association with Epstein was central to Thursday’s royal decision. A Buckingham Palace statement said, “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
In recent weeks, pressure on the monarchy to act had intensified.
In early October, resurfaced 2011 emails showed Andrew still communicating with Epstein months after publicly claiming their friendship had ended.
A posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre also reignited her allegations that, as a teenager, she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, allegations he has always denied.
Earlier this week, King Charles was heckled about the issue during a public appearance.
Although Andrew maintains his innocence, the Royal Family has acknowledged what it calls “serious lapses of judgement” in his conduct.
In addition to losing his royal titles and honours, Andrew was ordered to vacate his Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, and relocate to a property on the King’s Norfolk estate funded by the monarch.
The BBC reports that he is not required to leave immediately and may move to Sandringham as late as the new year.
On Saturday morning, a black Land Rover with a number plate ending in “DOY” was seen leaving Bishops Gate near Royal Lodge around 08:00 GMT.
The vehicle, which Andrew has been previously seen driving, contained only a driver as it exited Windsor Great Park.
