UK Prime Minister Urges Prince Andrew to Testify in US Over Epstein Files
LONDON – In a significant political development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly called for Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, to be prepared to testify before the U.S. Congress regarding his past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Prime Minister's remarks, made Saturday while returning from an official visit to Japan, escalate pressure on the Duke following the recent unsealing of extensive documents related to the Epstein case.
Starmer emphasized that anyone possessing relevant information should be ready to share it "in whatever form they are asked to do that," underscoring a commitment to a "victim-centered" approach. He stated that Epstein's victims must be the priority. This stance represents a toughening of his previous position, where he had indicated that such a decision was "for Andrew" to make.
Renewed Scrutiny from Unsealed Documents
The Prime Minister's latest comments come in the wake of a substantial release of documents by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday, January 30, 2026, comprising approximately 3.5 million pages, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. These newly disclosed "Epstein files" have brought renewed scrutiny to Prince Andrew's association with the late financier. The documents reportedly include photographs appearing to show Andrew kneeling over an unidentified woman and emails suggesting he maintained contact with Epstein even after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting underage girls. One email reportedly indicates an invitation from Andrew to Epstein to visit Buckingham Palace in September 2010, two years after Epstein's initial conviction.
The release of these files is part of a broader effort to provide transparency into Epstein's criminal activities and his extensive network of associates. While many names in the unsealed documents had been previously public, the sheer volume and specific details are reigniting public interest and demands for accountability.
Andrew's Persistent Denials and Royal Fallout
Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection to Jeffrey Epstein. His denials have been a long-standing feature of the scandal that has plagued the British royal family for years. The Duke's association with Epstein first garnered significant public attention and criticism after his infamous 2019 interview with BBC Newsnight. During this interview, Andrew denied allegations of sexual assault, stated he had "no recollection" of meeting Virginia Giuffre (one of Epstein's accusers), and claimed he had cut ties with Epstein in December 2010.
However, subsequent revelations, including recently published emails, have challenged aspects of his narrative, indicating continued contact with Epstein into 2011. The mounting pressure led to significant repercussions for Andrew. In January 2022, he was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages by Queen Elizabeth II and was no longer permitted to use the style "His Royal Highness" in any official capacity. In late 2025, King Charles III initiated a formal process to remove all of Andrew's remaining royal titles, honors, and styles. Andrew also reached an out-of-court settlement in February 2022 with Virginia Giuffre, who had filed a civil lawsuit against him in the U.S.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
Prime Minister Starmer's explicit call for Andrew's testimony marks a notable intervention by a sitting UK leader into the personal legal affairs of a member of the royal family, particularly concerning proceedings in a foreign nation. Such a statement underscores the gravity with which the British government views the ongoing Epstein scandal and its commitment to prioritizing victims.
The request for testimony before the U.S. Congress, rather than a judicial court, introduces a distinct layer of political and diplomatic complexity. While not a direct legal demand, a public call from the UK's head of government places immense public and political pressure on Andrew to cooperate with U.S. inquiries. This move aligns with a broader international focus on transparency and accountability surrounding the Epstein network.
The Continuing Shadow of Epstein
The renewed focus on Prince Andrew is part of the broader, enduring legacy of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Epstein, a wealthy financier, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Since his death, legal processes have steadily worked to unseal documents and shed light on the extensive network of individuals associated with him, bringing both fresh details and persistent questions to the forefront. The ongoing revelations continue to highlight the global reach of Epstein's activities and the long-term impact on his victims.
The Prime Minister's direct statement signals a clear expectation from the highest levels of British government for full cooperation and transparency. The implications for Prince Andrew, already largely removed from public life, remain significant as calls for further accountability intensify on both sides of the Atlantic. The focus remains on the victims and the pursuit of justice, with political leaders now explicitly joining the chorus demanding answers.
