Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insists that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced former Duke of York, should testify before the US Congress regarding his connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer emphasizes the need for the royal to address his long-standing association with the late financier, prioritizing Epstein’s victims in any response.
Newly Released Documents Intensify Scrutiny
Recently unsealed files from the US Department of Justice include undated photographs depicting Andrew kneeling over an unidentified woman on the floor, with one image showing contact with her abdomen. These images, part of over three million pages released on Friday, lack captions or location details, but they add to the mounting pressure on Andrew, who has consistently denied any involvement in wrongdoing.
The documents also reveal that Andrew, who lost his royal titles due to his Epstein ties, extended an invitation for dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2010—two years after Epstein’s guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Prime Minister’s Response During Trade Visit
While traveling to Japan for a trade mission, Starmer addressed the revelations 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.”
Details of the 2010 Invitation
An email exchange dated September 27, 2010, shows Andrew mentioning his return from Scotland to London, where Epstein was staying. He proposed, “we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy.” Epstein replied, “Already in London. what time woudl [sic] you like me and we will also need/ have private time.” It remains unclear if the palace meeting occurred.
Additional screenshots in the files indicate Andrew’s agreement to dine with a 26-year-old Russian woman described as “beautiful,” an arrangement facilitated by Epstein.
Connections to Lord Mandelson
Starmer declined to elaborate on separate disclosures involving Labour peer Lord Mandelson. The files show Epstein wired £10,000 to Mandelson’s husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2009. In an email, da Silva outlined costs for an osteopathy course, shared bank details, and ed gratitude for any assistance. Epstein responded promptly, confirming the transfer as a “loan.” The next day, da Silva acknowledged receipt of the funds.
When asked about the matter, Lord Mandelson affirmed he had been transparent about his Epstein friendship in prior BBC interviews, adding, “I have nothing more to add.” Last month, Mandelson described the association as a “most terrible mistake.”
Starmer noted, “In relation to Peter Mandelson, obviously, he was removed as ambassador in relation to the further information that came to light in September of last year. I’ve nothing more to say in relation to Peter Mandelson.”
