Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing fresh scrutiny from US lawmakers, who say the former prince is refusing to cooperate with their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein – just as he risks being stripped of his final public honor.
Members of the House Oversight Committee requested a transcribed interview with Andrew regarding his “long-standing friendship” with Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019.
After receiving no reply, Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam issued a blistering statement accusing Andrew of hiding.
“Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s silence… speaks volumes,” they wrote, according to the Daily Mail.
“In light of public records, the documents we’ve reviewed, and Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s testimony, he must answer serious questions – yet he continues to hide.”
They added that the investigation will proceed “with or without him,” pledging to seek accountability “no matter [anyone’s] wealth, status, or political party.”
Andrew denies all wrongdoing.
Prince Andrew has long been accused of having a close friendship with late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Credit: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images.
Another Honor Hanging by a Thread
The backlash comes after Andrew was stripped of his Prince and Duke of York titles earlier this month. He had expected to retain them despite the impending publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, which includes allegations he has always denied.
Now, he is at risk of losing his last remaining honor: the Freedom of the City of London, according to the London Evening Standard.
City of London officials confirmed they are reviewing how the civic title (granted to Andrew through patrimony because his father, Prince Philip, held it) could be revoked.
“The City Corporation is listening… and will carefully consider the rules” around removing the honor, a spokesperson said.
New Claims Add Pressure to the Former Prince
Fresh reports have also resurfaced alleging Andrew previously tried to enlist the Metropolitan Police to dig up information on Giuffre in 2011 – claims the Met has said it is reviewing.
Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson is said to be weighing up six-figure offers for a tell-all interview following the loss of her Duchess of York title, raising fears inside the palace that she may “go rogue.”
Andrew's ex-wife is already known for having had several periods of financial difficulty, stemming from a combination of a lifestyle that was reportedly beyond her means, a series of business ventures that failed, and extravagant spending habits.
Sarah Ferguson is reported to be weighing up an offer for a tell-all interview. Credit: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty Images.
Though, recently, sources told The Sun that Fergie believes she’s been “harshly treated” and is keen to “spell out” her version of events, including her insistence she knew nothing about Epstein’s crimes.
Offers reportedly include major US networks, UK broadcasters, and Gulf state channels.
But insiders say her camp is desperate to avoid another “Maitlis moment” – a reference to Andrew’s disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview where he infamously claimed he doesn't sweat. “Andrew has had his chances to tell his story,” a source said.
“Now it’s Fergie’s time.”
Ferguson lost her title when King Charles removed Andrew’s remaining honors last month, and the former couple must vacate Royal Lodge, their shared 30-room home in Windsor, by the end of January.