Prince Andrew has received a warning that he will be called upon to provide testimony regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, before a US congressional committee that is highly interested in engaging with him.
Stephen Lynch, a prominent member of the US House Oversight Committee overseeing the ‘Epstein Files’ compiled by the FBI, expressed his desire to question Andrew about his role in the matter following the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. Lynch stated that an invitation for Andrew to discuss his ties to Epstein is likely to be extended as their inquiry progresses.
Lynch emphasized on Newsnight that the suffering endured by the women who have come forward against Epstein will intensify their desire to engage with all involved individuals.
While Prince Andrew could be asked to provide testimony, being a British citizen means he cannot be formally subpoenaed to appear at a hearing. Therefore, the decision to accept the invitation and offer testimony rests solely with him.
Recent attention has been focused on Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein following the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, where she reiterated her allegations of being trafficked to the prince by Epstein. Prince Andrew has consistently denied these allegations.
Giuffre’s book detailed three alleged encounters between her and Prince Andrew, as well as highlighted how his infamous 2019 Newsnight interview fueled her legal team’s efforts to pursue legal action against him.
Shortly after Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson announced the relinquishment of their royal titles due to ongoing accusations that were overshadowing the royal family’s work, Buckingham Palace confirmed the decision in a statement released on Friday. In the statement, Prince Andrew underscored his commitment to prioritizing his family and country, reiterating his denial of the accusations against him.
Following the announcement, there has been mounting public pressure for Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom, an action that can only be taken by parliament. Additionally, calls have been renewed for Andrew to be removed from the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Reports revealed that Andrew has paid minimal rent for the £30 million property over the past two decades since signing a lease in 2003, with an initial payment of £1 million and an annual rent of “one peppercorn” if demanded.
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