Pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew as members of the United States Congress have formally expressed their desire to question the Duke of York about his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The development comes as US authorities continue their investigation into Epstein's extensive network of associates, with lawmakers seeking crucial answers about the royal's involvement with the disgraced financier.
Congressional Interest Grows
According to recent reports, congressional representatives have made their intentions clear through official channels, indicating they wish to speak with Prince Andrew under oath. This formal approach represents a significant escalation in the long-running investigation that has cast a shadow over the British royal family.
The Duke's association with Epstein has been a source of ongoing controversy, particularly following Virginia Giuffre's civil lawsuit alleging she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the prince when she was 17 - claims Prince Andrew has consistently denied.
Legal Complications and Royal Status
The situation presents complex legal and diplomatic challenges. While Prince Andrew settled the civil case with Ms Giuffre out of court in 2022, the congressional interest suggests the matter remains very much alive in the United States.
Legal experts suggest that while Congress cannot compel a member of the British royal family to testify, continued refusal to cooperate could strain diplomatic relations between the two nations and further damage the Duke's already tarnished reputation.
Ongoing Fallout
The renewed congressional pressure comes at a difficult time for the monarchy, which has been working to modernise its image and maintain public support. Prince Andrew has already been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages, and no longer uses his HRH style in an official capacity.
As investigations continue on both sides of the Atlantic, the Duke of York finds himself at the centre of an international scandal that shows no signs of abating, with US lawmakers determined to uncover the full truth about his connections to one of America's most notorious sex offenders.
