Kathrine Frich
Royal-watchers and lawmakers alike are bracing for renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
With US politicians demanding testimony as part of a widening investigation, the former Duke of York faced a deadline this week.
His decision not to respond has intensified accusations that he is avoiding accountability.
Mounting demands
Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent Andrew a letter urging him to cooperate with their probe into Epstein’s criminal network, according to The Sun.
The appeal cited “well-documented allegations” and his “long-standing friendship” with the financier, arguing he may hold information relevant to the inquiry.
The former prince, who lost his “Style, Title and Honours” last month, was asked to reply by Thursday.
Congressional officials said no response arrived, prompting claims that he is “hiding” from scrutiny.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, one of 16 Democrats who signed the letter, told reporters he believed Andrew “will continue to try to hide from people doing meaningful investigations of this matter.”
Widening investigation
The demand for testimony follows a new US law signed by President Donald Trump requiring the Department of Justice to release its Epstein files within 30 days.
Lawmakers argue the documents could help identify associates who enabled or protected Epstein before his 2019 death.
Reports cited by The Sun note that earlier correspondence between Epstein and business figures referenced Andrew directly, including an email in which Epstein wrote, “You can tell Andrew we are friends.”
Another message, released by Congress, claimed Andrew had “consensual sex” with an Epstein employee, a claim Andrew has always denied.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie said the United States needed the same “reckoning” faced in Britain, where Andrew has already lost his royal titles and residency privileges at Royal Lodge.
Ongoing fallout
The release of additional emails and the pending publication of Epstein-related records has revived the scandal at a time when Andrew is attempting to remain out of the public eye.
Royal commentators told The Sun that more allegations could surface once the full archive becomes public.
Meanwhile, Andrew, who is under no legal obligation to travel to Washington, was seen riding on the Windsor estate this week, his first appearance since losing his titles.
Sources: The Sun, The Times
