Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, may be called to testify before the U.S. Congress regarding his alleged involvement with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This development comes as the House Oversight Committee continues its investigation into Epstein’s sex-trafficking operations and related crimes. Rep. Stephen Lynch, the Democratic ranking member of the committee, expressed the committee’s significant interest in speaking with Andrew about his alleged role in the case.
During an appearance on BBC’s ‘Newsnight,’ Lynch confirmed that the committee is keen to hear from Andrew about his potential involvement in the Epstein trafficking case. He explained that the committee has already spoken to several survivors and that the interest in further testimony is growing. Lynch highlighted the committee’s commitment to understanding the full extent of the case, emphasizing that all survivors interviewed have shared a strong connection with Virginia Giuffre, one of the key victims.
Virginia Giuffre, who alleged that she was trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell and forced to have sexual encounters with Andrew at a young age, passed away by suicide in April. Her posthumous memoir, ‘Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice,’ provides an in-depth account of her traumatic experiences, including her alleged group sex encounter and the fear of being a ‘sex slave.’ Giuffre’s allegations have been central to the ongoing legal and investigative proceedings, and her death has added an emotional weight to the case.
The committee is also examining the broader implications of Epstein’s criminal activities, including the Epstein files, which contain a vast collection of documents related to his sex-trafficking operations. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, was recently found guilty of sex trafficking a minor and conspiracy to entice and transport minors for illegal sex acts. She was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in June 2022.
Andrew, who has consistently denied all allegations, agreed to a settlement with Giuffre in February 2022, in which he paid an undisclosed sum and contributed to a charity supporting abuse victims. He had already resigned from his royal duties following a controversial 2019 BBC interview where he discussed his Epstein connection and Giuff’s allegations. The current situation presents a significant opportunity for the committee to explore the full extent of Andrew’s involvement and the broader implications of Epstein’s criminal activities.
The committee’s investigation is part of a larger effort to understand the scale and impact of Epstein’s trafficking operations and the role of his associates in the alleged crimes. The ongoing legal and political scrutiny aims to address the systemic issues and hold all involved parties accountable for their actions. As the committee moves forward with its inquiry, the public and legal community will be closely following the developments, particularly regarding Andrew’s potential testimony and its impact on the case.