Calls mount for Andrew to testify as US releases Epstein emails

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing renewed pressure from victims' lawyers, politicians and US authorities to provide evidence about his knowledge of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to newly released emails from the US Department of Justice.

The emails detail a prolonged but unsuccessful effort by US prosecutors to secure Andrew's cooperation, despite his repeated denials of any wrongdoing. They show attempts beginning in early 2020 and a formal request later that year to the UK Home Office after voluntary discussions failed, says the BBC.

Gloria Allred, a prominent lawyer representing Epstein victims, said Andrew still had an opportunity to assist investigators. "It's not too late and he does have information he could share," she said.

Allred questioned why Andrew had agreed to a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview but had declined to cooperate with law enforcement. "Why was he willing to speak to the BBC in a one-hour catastrophic television interview, but is not willing to speak to law enforcement?" she asked. "He's not the one who should decide whether he knows anything that could help in the investigation," she told the BBC.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed calls for cooperation, saying that anyone with relevant information should be willing to come forward. "In terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information," Starmer said. "You can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that," he added.

Sources close to the royal family said the matter ultimately rested with Andrew himself. "Anyone who has information should consider helping any investigation, but that is ultimately a matter for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his conscience," the sources said.

According to the Justice Department emails, US officials and Andrew's legal team engaged in increasingly strained discussions as they attempted to arrange an interview. In one exchange, prosecutors said there was no point "rehashing our previous conversations" and reiterated the question "as to whether Prince Andrew will agree to be interviewed and if so when such interview will take place".

One email recorded the conclusion that "efforts to obtain a truly voluntary interview have been exhausted", prompting US authorities in April 2020 to submit a formal mutual legal assistance request to compel testimony. Other correspondence referred to US frustration with British counterparts, including remarks about officials "wringing their hands" over information related to Andrew.

Pressure has also come from US lawmakers. Last autumn, Democrats in Congress set a November deadline for Andrew to testify, which passed without a response.

Andrew was named in a 2021 civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault. The case was settled out of court in 2022, a development that further complicated earlier attempts by US authorities to question him by making him a defendant rather than a potential witness.

Scrutiny has intensified following the release of millions of Epstein-related documents. The files include references to communications between Andrew's former wife Sarah Ferguson and Epstein, as well as a recent allegation from a second woman who claims she was sent to the UK in 2010 for sex with Andrew.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on the latest document releases. It has previously said that the King and Queen's "thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse".

The newly disclosed emails underline the extent of US authorities' efforts to arrange a time and place for Andrew to give evidence. There has been no indication that he intends to testify.