Pressure Mounts on Prince Andrew Over Epstein Connections
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for the disgraced Prince Andrew to testify before the US Congress regarding his associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer emphasized that the former Duke of York needs to address his long-standing ties to the convicted sex offender, prioritizing the needs of Epstein’s victims.
Recent documents released by the US Department of Justice include photographs depicting Prince Andrew kneeling over an unidentified woman on the floor, with one image showing contact with her abdomen. These undated images, part of a vast collection exceeding three million pages published on Friday, lack captions and location details. They intensify scrutiny on Andrew, who has consistently denied any involvement in wrongdoing.
Invitation to Buckingham Palace Revealed
Additional files disclose that Prince Andrew, who lost his royal titles due to his Epstein links, extended an invitation for dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2010—two years after Epstein’s guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution. An email exchange from September 27, 2010, shows Andrew mentioning his return from Scotland to London, where Epstein was located, and proposing a private dinner at the palace.
Epstein replied promptly, confirming his presence in London and inquiring about the timing, while requesting private arrangements. It remains unclear if the meeting occurred.
Starmer’s Stance on Testimony
During a flight to Japan for a trade visit, Starmer addressed the emerging details with reporters. He stated, “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.”
Other documents highlight Prince Andrew’s agreement to dine with a 26-year-old Russian woman described as “beautiful,” an arrangement facilitated by Epstein.
Links to Lord Mandelson Emerge
The files also touch on Labour peer Lord Mandelson, revealing that Epstein transferred £10,000 to Mandelson’s husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2009. An email from da Silva outlined costs for an osteopathy course, provided bank details, and ed gratitude for any assistance. Epstein responded by confirming an immediate wire transfer of the loan amount, which da Silva acknowledged the next day.
Starmer declined to elaborate further on Mandelson, noting that he had been removed from his ambassadorial role last September following new information. “I’ve nothing more to say in relation to Peter Mandelson,” the Prime Minister added.
In response to queries, Lord Mandelson affirmed his previous BBC interviews where he described his Epstein friendship as a “most terrible mistake.” He stated, “I have been very clear about my relationship with Epstein. I have nothing more to add.”
