Epstein information: UK PM Starmer says ex-prince Andrew ought to testify in US
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday said former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should testify in the United States Congress, a day after new revelations about the disgraced ex-royal’s links to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein created a stir.
The US Department of Justice dumped over 3 million documents from the Epstein files on Friday, which included emails that showed Mountbatten-Windsor —King Charles III’s brother — maintaining regular contact with Epstein for more than two years after the American financier was found guilty of child sex crimes.
What did Keir Starmer say?
On being asked if Mountbatten-Windsor should answer US lawmakers’ questions about his knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, Starmer said “yes”.
The British leader spoke to the media upon arriving in Japan to conclude his East Asia tour.
“Firstly, I always approach this question with the victims of Epstein in mind. Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority. Whether there should be an apology, that’s a matter for Andrew,” Starmer told reporters.
“But, yes, in terms of testifying, I’ve always said anybody who’s got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they’re asked to do that because you can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that.”
The prime minister’s remarks are likely to intensify pressure on Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles and honors by the king in late 2025.
Previously, Starmer had only encouraged “anybody who has got relevant information” in such cases to testify.
In November, members of a US congressional committee probing the Epstein case stepped up their calls for Mountbatten-Windsor to answer questions.
Starmer had then said that the former prince doing so was a “decision for him”.
New Epstein files open up can of worms for former prince
The latest Epstein documents show undated photos of Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over a woman lying on the floor.
No further context was provided for the images, in which both Andrew and the woman are clothed.
It was also unclear where the pictures were taken.
Screenshots and scans also appear to show emails from Epstein proposing Mountbatten-Windsor have dinner with a “beautiful, trustworthy” 26-year-old Russian woman.
It was unclear if any meeting took place.
Andrew, Epstein and the royal downfall
The renewed focus on Mountbatten-Windsor comes as he is reportedly set to vacate his 30-room mansion on the royal estate at Windsor after being ousted by his brother, the king.
British Media on Saturday pictured the 65-year-old driving on the grounds of the estate.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the ex-Duke of York, has denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
However, Virginia Giuffre — a US and Australian citizen who died by suicide last year — alleged she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor three times, including twice when she was 17.
In 2022, the former royal settled a multi-million-pound lawsuit she had filed — without admitting guilt.
He had also previously denied maintaining ties with Epstein after the sex offender’s 2008 conviction, aside from a 2010 trip to New York to end their relationship.
In 2019, Epstein took his own life while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
