US House Committee Demands facts from Prince Andrew regarding Epstein Ties
A US House Oversight Committee panel, led by Ranking Member Robert Garcia, has formally requested an interview with Prince Andrew, Duke of York, regarding his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. the committee is investigating Epstein’s operations, network, and associates, citing the “longstanding and well-documented friendship” between Andrew and Epstein.
The request, formalized in a letter co-signed by 13 other Democratic members of the committee, demands specifics about the nature of their relationship, which reportedly began in 1999 and continued after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring minors for prostitution. The committee highlighted reports of Andrew traveling with Epstein to locations including Epstein’s New York residence, Balmoral Castle, and Epstein’s private island in the US Virgin Islands, where Andrew has been accused of abuse.
The letter also references a 2011 email exchange where Andrew wrote to Epstein, “we are in this together,” suggesting potential knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.the committee believes Andrew may possess “valuable information about the crimes committed by Mr Epstein and his co-conspirators.” A response to the request is due by November 20th.
This move follows a call from fellow committee member Ro Khanna for Andrew to testify before the panel, stating the public deserves to know the extent of involvement by individuals alongside Epstein in the abuse of women and young girls.
though, Garcia lacks the authority to subpoena Andrew, and the US Congress cannot compel testimony from a foreign national.US authorities previously stated in 2020 that Andrew failed to respond to requests for an interview, with then-US Attorney Geoffrey Berman noting andrew had “provided zero cooperation” despite a public pledge to assist law enforcement.
Garcia stated that the committee seeks accountability, emphasizing that “rich and powerful men have evaded justice for far too long.” Committee member Suhas Subramanyam echoed this sentiment, stating Andrew’s cooperation is vital, allowing him to either clear his name or face the consequences of an inquiry that will seek justice for survivors. Subramanyam also pointed to the Royal Family’s decision to strip andrew of his titles as indicative of a larger, unresolved issue.
The committee’s request comes on the same day King Charles III officially removed Andrew’s title of prince through a formal “letters patent” published in the UK’s official public record, the Gazette.
