Andrew ordered to appear at Congress to explain links to Epstein

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been ordered to appear in front of Congress to explain his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee sent the disgraced royal a letter on Thursday saying they believe he possesses important information about people with links to the late financier's crimes.

It read: 'The Oversight Committee will investigate allegations of abuse by Mountbatten Windsor, and will seek information on Epstein's operations, network, and associates based on the men's longstanding and well-documented friendship.'

Robert Garcia, the most senior Democratic figure on the committee, added: 'Rich and powerful men have evaded justice for far too long.

'Now, former Prince Andrew has the opportunity to come clean and provide justice for the survivors.'

Buckingham Palace announced last week that the former Duke of York, 65, will now only be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. 

In a bombshell statement, the Palace coldly announced the 'censures [were] deemed necessary' amid the growing controversy surrounding his relationship with paedophile financier Epstein, with whom Andrew lied about cutting ties.

In Thursday's letter, the Democratic committee members say Andrew's friendship with Epstein started in 1999 and they stayed close friends following his conviction nine years later for procuring minors for prostitution.

Within hours, the former royal was erased from the Roll of the Peerage, and it was revealed he could face a private prosecution over allegations of sexual assault, corruption and misconduct in public office. 

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor - as he is now known - has for many years been dogged by allegations he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre after she was trafficked by Epstein, which he strenuously denies.

Ms Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew, including when she was 17 and also during an orgy, after she was trafficked by Epstein.

Andrew paid millions to settle the civil sex case with her in 2022, despite insisting he had never met her.

Last week, King Charles III stripped his brother of his titles and announced Andrew would be leaving his home at Royal Lodge after paying 'a peppercorn rent' for decades. 

This came after Andrew previously announced he would no longer be known as the Duke of York and would be stepping down from membership of the Order of the Garter – the country's most ancient order of chivalry.

Andrew also relinquished his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order. 

His ex-wife, Sarah also lost her title and became plain Sarah Ferguson. 

The former prince's decision was made after strong pressure from King Charles and in discussion with other family members, including Prince William, as heir to the throne, as well as Andrew's other siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

Andrew is expected to leave Royal Lodge and move to a new home on the Sandringham estate - which is owned by the Royal Family. 

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for Andrew to heed the US invitation.

He said on X: 'It's right Andrew Mountbatten Windsor appears before US Congress over his links to Epstein and his victims.

'He should also give evidence to our Parliament. The public deserve answers and full transparency about this scandal.'

Epstein took his own life in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. 

In the new letter, sent to the former prince on Thursday, the US politicians said their House Oversight Committee had identified 'financial records containing notations such as "massage for Andrew" that raise serious questions'.

The letter, signed by 16 members of Congress, requested Andrew responds by November 20.

Requesting he sit for an interview with the committee, the letter reads: 'We write to seek your co-operation in the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's (Committee) investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operations.

'The committee is seeking to uncover the identities of Mr Epstein's co-conspirators and enablers and to understand the full extent of his criminal operations.

'Well-documented allegations against you, along with your long-standing friendship with Mr Epstein, indicate that you may possess knowledge of his activities relevant to our investigation.

'In the interest of justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, we request that you co-operate with the committee's investigation by sitting for a transcribed interview with the Committee.'

As well as the allegations made by Ms Giuffre, the committee is also seeking testimony from Andrew on accusations against him that he asked his personal protection officer to 'dig up dirt' for a smear campaign against his accuser in 2011.

The letter continues: 'This fear of retaliation has been a persistent obstacle to many of those who were victimised in their fight for justice.

'In addition to Mr Epstein's crimes, we are investigating any such efforts to silence, intimidate, or threaten victims, and are interested in any avenues that may further shed light on these activities.'