Andrew ought to reply Jeffrey Epstein questions in US, Democrats say

Members of a US congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have intensified their requires Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to reply questions on his hyperlinks to the late intercourse offender.

King Charles stripped his brother of his “prince” title on Thursday, following months of stress over Andrew’s ties to Epstein. Andrew has all the time denied wrongdoing.

At least 4 Democrat members of the House Oversight Committee have since renewed their requires Andrew to testify – though the panel is managed by Republicans, who haven’t indicated they’d assist the transfer.

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam advised the BBC: “If he wants to clear his name, if he wants to do right by the victims, he will come forward”.

Andrew might seem remotely, have a lawyer current and will converse to the panel privately, Subramanyam stated.

“Frankly, Andrew’s name has come up many times from the victims,” he advised Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday.

“So he clearly has knowledge of what happened and we just want him to come forward and tell us what he knows.”

He added: “No matter who it is – American or not – everyone should be looked at.”

Fellow committee member Raja Krishnamoorthi advised BBC Newsnight he could be prepared to formally summon Andrew with a subpoena – though he conceded this might be troublesome to implement whereas he was exterior of the US.

He stated on Friday: “However, if Andrew wishes to come to the United States or he’s here, then he’s subject to the jurisdiction of the US Congress, and I would expect him to testify.”

He added: “At the end of the day, we want to know exactly what happened, not just to give justice to the survivors, but to prevent this from ever happening again.”

“Come clean. Come before the US Congress, voluntarily testify. Don’t wait for a subpoena. Come and testify and tell us what you know.”

Congressman Stephen Lynch additionally advised the BBC listening to from Andrew “might be helpful in getting justice for these survivors” however stated the committee could be unable to subpoena him “as the situation stands”.

Meanwhile, Liz Stein – considered one of Epstein’s accusers – stated Andrew ought to “take some initiative” and assist US investigators.

She advised BBC Breakfast on Saturday: “A lot of us are curious as to why he’s unwilling to cooperate and be questioned about his involvement with Epstein.”

“If he has nothing to hide, then why is he hiding?”

“We know he had a longstanding friendship with Epstein and that he was in his social circle – so he may have seen things during his involvement with Epstein that he could speak to.”

It comes after UK commerce minister Chris Bryant advised the BBC Andrew ought to go to the US to reply questions on Epstein’s crimes if invited, “just as with any ordinary member of the public”.

Meanwhile within the UK, the police watchdog stated it had approached the Metropolitan Police to ask whether or not there are issues it needs to be trying into, in gentle of media studies about Andrew.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct stated it had contacted Scotland Yard’s Directorate of Professional Standards final week – which oversees inside investigations into misconduct – and had not but acquired any referrals.

Reports emerged in mid-October that Andrew sought to acquire private details about his accuser Virginia Giuffre via his police safety in 2011. He has not commented on the allegation.

Separately, new courtroom paperwork printed within the US on Friday confirmed that Andrew wrote in an email in 2010 that it could be “good to catch up in person” with Epstein, after he was launched from jail for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The pair had been then pictured collectively in Central Park in New York in December 2010, in a gathering that Andrew later advised the BBC was to interrupt off their friendship.

Andrew’s ties to Epstein had been on the centre of Thursday’s determination, with the Palace announcement stating: “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”

“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

In latest weeks, stress had elevated on the monarchy to resolve the difficulty of Charles’s brother.

In early October, emails which re-emerged from 2011 confirmed Andrew involved with Epstein months after he claimed their friendship had ended.

A posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre was additionally launched – repeating allegations that, as a teen, she was pressured to have intercourse with Andrew on three separate events, claims he has all the time denied.

And earlier this week, the King was heckled concerning the matter.

Although Andrew denies the accusations, the Royal Family considers there have been “serious lapses of judgement” in his behaviour.

As effectively as shedding his titles and honours, he was ordered to maneuver out of his Windsor mansion – Royal Lodge – and right into a property on the King’s Norfolk estate, paid for by the monarch.

The BBC understands that he won’t have to maneuver out instantly, and will transfer to Sandringham as late as the brand new 12 months.

On Saturday, a black Land Rover with a quantity plate ending DOY was seen leaving Bishops Gate close to Royal Lodge simply earlier than 08:00 GMT.

Only a driver was within the automobile because it left the grounds of Windsor Great Park. Andrew has beforehand been pictured driving a automobile with the identical personal quantity plate.