Andrew is ordered to appear at Congress to explain his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been ordered to appear before Congress to explain his connections to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee sent a letter to the disgraced royal on Thursday saying they believe she has important information about people connected to the late financier’s crimes.

It said: ‘The Oversight Committee will investigate allegations of abuse by Mountbatten Windsor and seek information about Epstein’s operations, network and associates based on the long-standing and well-documented friendship of these men.’

Robert Garcia, the committee’s most senior Democratic figure, added: ‘Rich and powerful men have escaped justice for too long.

‘Now the former Prince Andrew has the opportunity to come clean and achieve justice for the survivors.’

Buckingham Palace announced last week that the 65-year-old former Duke of York will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

The Palace coldly announced ‘censorship’ with a bombshell statement [were] It was “deemed necessary” amid growing controversy around Andrew’s relationship with pedophile financier Epstein, to whom he lied about cutting ties.

In Thursday’s letter, Democratic committee members said Andrew’s friendship with Epstein began in 1999 and they remained close friends after he was convicted nine years later of procuring minors for prostitution.

The former royal was struck off the Noble List within hours and it emerged she could face a special investigation over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office.

This is breaking news. More to follow.