LONDON (AP) - Former Prince Andrew's reputation has suffered irreparable damage over the past six years, exacerbated by a disastrous BBC interview regarding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. As calls grow from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, U.S. Congress members, and attorneys for Epstein's victims for Andrew to provide testimony regarding his knowledge of Epstein's activities, the former prince is likely reluctant to confront such inquiries, given his previous experience.
Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, noted that if Andrew were to voluntarily testify, he could face intense questioning, potentially more hostile than that from journalist Emily Maitlis during the 2019 interview. The implications of such a scenario likely do not favor Andrew, who has faced considerable public scrutiny since the fallout of that interview.
The pressure on Andrew to testify has intensified following the latest release of documents from the U.S. Justice Department's investigation into Epstein, which reveal further details about the relationship between Andrew and Epstein. Attorney Gloria Allred, representing numerous victims of Epstein, asserted that Andrew has an obligation to cooperate and provide any information that may assist in elucidating how Epstein was able to perpetrate his abuses over an extended period, as well as identify others who may have been complicit in these crimes.
The aftermath of Andrew's 2019 interview left him widely criticized for providing dubious justifications for his ongoing relationship with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Furthermore, Andrew's perceived lack of empathy towards Epstein's victims escalated public outrage. Subsequently, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his royal titles and privileges in an effort to protect the monarchy from the ongoing scandal surrounding Andrew’s association with Epstein, tarnishing the royal family's image for more than a decade. The former prince is now recognized simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Andrew has also been instructed to vacate Royal Lodge, his residence for over a decade near Windsor Castle. Legal expert Mark Stephens commented that Andrew has little incentive to respond to demands for his testimony, emphasizing the challenges U.S. authorities would face in trying to compel him to appear before Congress. He highlighted that, if summoned, Andrew might invoke the Fifth Amendment rights typically associated with self-incrimination, thereby limiting any meaningful disclosures regardless of whether he testifies.
Recent documents indicate that Epstein attempted to orchestrate a meeting between Andrew and a 'beautiful' 26-year-old Russian woman, and that Andrew had offered Epstein dinner at Buckingham Palace. Additional emails revealed former Princess Sarah Ferguson calling Epstein a 'legend' and 'the brother I have always wished for.' While these documents do not implicate many individuals named, they do showcase Epstein's extensive connections.
Andrew has displayed a cautious approach regarding direct communication with U.S. authorities in this matter. Following his retreat from royal duties in 2019, he conveyed a willingness to assist any appropriate law enforcement agency with its investigation into Epstein. However, documents from last year reveal that negotiations between Andrew's legal team and U.S. federal prosecutors collapsed after ten months, resulting in the rejection of proposals for a direct interview, either in person or via video. Instead, Andrew's lawyers suggested he respond in writing, which they argued was acceptable in British courts.
After these efforts stalled, U.S. prosecutors ultimately abandoned the pursuit of Andrew's voluntary testimony, aligning their strategy to seek court enforcement under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between the U.S. and the UK. There is no record indicating that any interview transpired as a result.
Attorney Gloria Allred emphasized the significance of Andrew's testimony for Epstein's victims. Despite Andrew's claims of ignorance concerning Epstein's illicit activities, documents reveal that he possesses substantial insight into the social gatherings organized by Epstein and how young women were exploited to cultivate relationships within Epstein's affluent and influential circles.
Allred asserted, "He’s not the one who should decide whether he knows anything that could help in the investigation." She underscored the notion that it is not too late for him to provide information that may prove beneficial to the victims of Epstein.
