Prince Andrew faces US subpoena threat as net tightens after eviction | Royal | News
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, who will be stripped of his royal title, faces mounting pressure to testify before a powerful US Congressional committee about his links to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The King stripped his younger brother of his titles of prince and Duke of York on Thursday night, and Buckingham Palace issued a statement stressing that both he and Camilla were thinking of the victims of abuse. The move comes amid intense scrutiny of Andrew’s ties to Epstein and continued calls for transparency from US lawmakers.
Members of the House Oversight Committee insisted Andrew reveal what he knew about the convicted sex trafficker. Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi told BBC Newsnight: “I would go so far as to subpoena him. It’s complicated to enforce such subpoenas against someone overseas, but if Andrew comes to the United States, it would fall within the jurisdiction of Congress. Come openly. Come voluntarily. Don’t wait for the subpoena. Come forward and testify.”
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam told BBC Radio 4: “We want Andrew to tell us everything he knows about Epstein and the crimes committed. This will help clear his name and support justice for the victims.” He added that Andrew’s name had come up repeatedly in connection with the victims’ statements, suggesting he may have important information.
The Metropolitan Police said they were aware of allegations of sex trafficking that were not new in 2015, including incidents outside the UK and one in central London in 2001. Following legal advice, officers concluded that other jurisdictions were better placed to investigate these allegations and a full criminal investigation was not conducted.
Andrew, meanwhile, is set to move from Windsor to private accommodation in Sandringham, Norfolk, reportedly receiving a six-figure payout plus annual salary as part of a “relocation deal”.
This forced the former duke to find alternative residence after his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson announced she would be leaving the Royal Lodge.
Earlier this year, Andrew agreed to stop using his royal titles ahead of the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir in which she accused him of sexually assaulting her in her youth; He vehemently denied this claim.
Allegations also emerged that Andrew attempted to use a taxpayer-funded bodyguard to investigate Ms Giuffre, including accessing her personal information.
The Public Accounts Committee contacted the Crown Estate and Treasury for details about the lease of Andrew’s Royal Lodge, which sparked a public outcry over nominal “pepper” rent.
The King’s actions in stripping Andrew of his titles had immediate consequences. The former prince’s name has been removed from the official list of nobility, meaning the title Duke of York will no longer be used.
In the coming days, the King is expected to issue a royal warrant and letters patent to completely strip Andrew of his princely title and HRH style.
The former duke had a long-term “cast iron” lease for the Royal Lodge. But after negotiations with the King’s representatives, he agreed to give up the lease, which still had more than 50 years remaining.
Reports suggest the relocation package is aimed at helping him transition to private life, which includes a six-figure one-off payment and an annual salary significantly above the £20,000-a-year navy pension.
The Palace stressed that these moves were part of wider efforts to support victims of abuse while ensuring Andrew’s exit from public royal life was orderly. As the congressional subpoena looms, US lawmakers are signaling that Andrew’s cooperation (or continued silence) will remain under intense scrutiny.
