As calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to publicly cooperate with officials investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes build, pressure too mounts on the Royal Familyto intervene and encourage the former prince to speak out. It is understood King Charles was not aware of the level of detail in the latest Epstein drop last week, which reveals the depths of the relationship between his brother and the late convicted paedophile.
Buckingham Palace appears to be learning about the new material at the same time as the public, it has been reported. Royal sources told the Daily Mail, “providing testimony is now a matter for Andrew and his conscience”.
Andrew was a working member of the Royal Family and held a prestigious role as a UK trade ambassador during his association with Epstein, though he has since been stripped of his royal titles, patronages and even birth right to be a prince.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “In terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information. You can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that. Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority.”
The PM’s comments came after the latest release of files related to Epstein, which included images appearing to show the former Duke of York kneeling over a female lying on the ground. No context is supplied for the photos of Andrew kneeling over the unidentified woman.
The images, among more than three million documents published by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, have no captions, and it is not known where they were taken.
Other files revealed Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles over his links to the sex offender, invited Epstein for dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2010, two years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Andrew has faced years of scrutiny over his past friendship with Epstein. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
King Charles also pointedly stated last October, as it was announced Andrew was being stripped of his titles, that their “thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse”.
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