Fresh scrutiny has once again fallen on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following the release of new files connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
As images and emails resurface, questions about accountability have returned to the forefront of public debate.
Against this backdrop, the UK Prime Minister has weighed in. While abroad on official business, Keir Starmer was pressed on whether Andrew should finally cooperate with US authorities investigating Epstein’s crimes. His response has added renewed pressure to an already explosive situation.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor embroiled in Jeffrey Epstein scandal again as new files released
In recent days, the US Department of Justice has released a new batch of files pertaining to Epstein and his crimes.
In them, Andrew is seemingly photographed.
The king’s brother, who was stripped of his royal titles last year, appears to be pictured crouching over a woman who is lying on the floor.
This latest cache of documents also details emails which appear to show Andrew inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace. The emails show Andrew allegedly extended this invite in September of 2010.
This came two years after Epstein was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Last year, Suhas Subramanyam, a Democratic member of the oversight committee in the House of Representatives, urged Andrew to sit for a deposition to answer questions about his connection to Epstein in an investigation into how the US government handled the case against the late financier.
Subramanyam described Andrew as “hiding from us, and I think he will continue to try to hide from people doing meaningful investigations of this matter”.
Now, PM Keir Starmer has spoken out following the release of the latest files.
PM Keir Starmer speaks out about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Jeffrey Epstein
He stated: “Firstly, I have always approached this question with the victims of Epstein in mind. Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority. As for whether there should be an apology, that’s a matter for Andrew.
“But yes, in terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that. You can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that.”
The new batch of documents suggests that just a month before the Buckingham Palace invitation, Epstein had offered to arrange for Andrew to have dinner with a “clever, beautiful and trustworthy” Russian woman, who was 26.
Andrew allegedly replied that he would be “delighted” to meet with the woman.
He reportedly asked Epstein if it was “good to be free” from house arrest.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s link to Epstein
Andrew was famously photographed walking with Epstein in New York’s Central Park later that same year.
In Andrew’s infamous Newsnight interview in 2019, he insisted he had travelled to the US and stayed with Epstein in order to end his friendship with him, following Epstein’s conviction.
However, the newly released emails appear to contradict these claims. They suggest that Hollywood publicist Peggy Siegal arranged a dinner in Andrew’s honour at Epstein’s New York home during that visit.
Representatives for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Buckingham Palace have been contacted for comment.
Epstein and Andrew’s alleged friendship
Over the years, Andrew has faced intense scrutiny over his association with Epstein.
Last year, that scrutiny intensified after emails emerged allegedly showing Andrew remained in contact with Epstein in February 2011.
However, in his BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, Andrew claimed he had cut contact with Epstein in December 2010.
Allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Andrew has also faced allegations of sexual assault. Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to sleep with Andrew on three occasions when she was 17, after being trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
As pressure mounts from both sides of the Atlantic, the question remains whether Andrew will respond directly to renewed calls for cooperation. For now, the release of further material ensures that the controversy surrounding him is far from fading.
Read more: The royal family ‘can’t escape’ latest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘bombshell’
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