British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has directly invited Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who held the title of Prince Andrew until October 2025, to testify before a US Congressional committee about his former connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer's words were measured but unequivocal. He said, "Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information." He added, "You can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that." He emphasised that "Epstein's victims have to be the first priority." Asked if Mountbatten-Windsor should apologise, he said, "That’s a matter for Andrew."
This statement comes immediately after the release of a new set of documents from the US investigation into Epstein.
To date, more than three million pages of material are publicly available, with the latest release containing photographs and correspondence in which Mountbatten-Windsor features prominently.
Among the photos are those showing him crouching on all fours over a woman lying on the floor.
The documents also show that communication between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein continued even after Epstein's conviction in 2008 for sexual offences against a minor. Those conversations concerned business opportunities and social contacts.
Justice over the protection of institutions
Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein's crimes. In 2022, he settled the dispute with Virginia Giuffre out of court, without admitting guilt.
In the same year, he lost his military titles and royal patronages. In October 2025, King Charles III formally stripped him of all remaining royal titles and privileges.
Democratic members of the US House Oversight Committee requested a transcribed interview under oath with Mountbatten-Windsor in November 2025, as part of an investigation into Epstein's network and the powerful individuals connected to it. So far, there has been no response to this request.
Starmer frames the issue in terms of the needs of victims, rather than the protection of institutions
In late 2025, Starmer spoke more cautiously, stating that it was a matter for Andrew to consider personally while supporting the general principle that those with relevant information should share it. However, this statement represents clearer and more public pressure.
This is not a legally binding request. The British government has no authority to compel a private individual to appear before a foreign parliament. However, the Prime Minister's words carry weight.
This comes at a time when the Labour government is seeking to project an image of transparency and seriousness regarding justice and the abuse of power.
Starmer, a former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with direct experience in sexual offence cases, frames the issue in terms of the needs of victims, rather than the protection of institutions.
Starmer’s pragmatic balancing act
Starmer made the announcement during a diplomatic tour, aiming to strengthen Britain's position in Asia amid uncertainty in transatlantic relations.
In Beijing, during a visit from 29 to 31 January, he secured two concrete concessions from China: the reduction of import tariffs on Scotch whisky from 10% to 5% (estimated to be worth £250 million to the UK economy over the next 5 years) and the introduction of visa-free entry for British citizens – allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism or business (placing Britain in the same position as France, Germany, and Japan).
He then travelled to Tokyo, where he met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on 31 January and 1 February to discuss strengthening cooperation in security, cybersecurity, and critical mineral supply chains.
At a time when the Trump administration is imposing tariffs, questioning NATO commitments, and pressuring allies to distance themselves from China, the Prime Minister's public call to cooperate with the US Congress sends a clear message: London wishes to maintain open and functional channels of communication with Washington, even on topics that directly affect the royal family and cause discomfort in Britain.
The main question repeatedly raised by the public and the media is not only "what he knew" but also "whether he participated in the abuse"
This demonstrates a pragmatic approach: economic and diplomatic engagement with China and Japan does not entail ending cooperation with the United States but rather represents an attempt to maintain balance during a period of global tensions.
For the royal family, this marks the reopening of an old wound. Since 2022, the monarchy has sought to distance itself from Mountbatten-Windsor by removing him from public duties and stripping him of his titles, aiming to limit reputational damage.
However, each new release of documents brings the institution back into the spotlight. The latest photographs and correspondence do not introduce new criminal charges against Mountbatten-Windsor, but the material sustains pressure that has been building for more than a decade.
The main question repeatedly raised by the public and the media is not only "what he knew" but also "whether he participated in the abuse."
When old scandals become political leverage
Congress can increase the pressure. A formal subpoena is possible, although this is rare for a foreign national who has not been charged with a crime.
Pressure is more likely to continue through public hearings and statements from board members.
The Prime Minister's statement ensures that the issue will not fade quickly
If Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continues to refuse to testify before Congress, it will further reinforce the belief among some in the British and American public that institutions are still seeking to protect members of the royal family, even when this may cause diplomatic complications with the United States.
The broader significance of the case lies not only in Epstein's network or the fate of one former prince. It illustrates how old scandals are used as leverage in today’s political struggles.
Starmer's public call for Mountbatten-Windsor to testify before Congress is not merely a gesture of solidarity with the victims; it is also a direct signal that his government will not repeat the strategy of previous British administrations – Conservative and Labour – which largely chose to keep royal scandals under wraps through silent agreements, settlements, and institutional distancing.
Mountbatten-Windsor has not publicly commented on Starmer's statement, and the Palace has maintained its usual position that he is a private individual.
However, the Prime Minister's statement ensures that the issue will not fade quickly. For a government that came to power promising change and integrity, this is a test of whether those commitments apply to the most sensitive areas of British society.
For the government that assumed office in 2024 with key promises of change, integrity, and zero tolerance for elite impunity, this now serves as a concrete test.
