Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that Prince Andrew should be prepared to testify before the United States Congress regarding his connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This statement follows the substantial release of documents related to the convicted sex offender, which includes images and communications involving the former royal.
Victim-Centred Approach Demands Cooperation
Speaking during the final leg of his diplomatic visit to East Asia in Japan, Sir Keir emphasised that a "victim-centred" philosophy must guide all responses to the Epstein scandal. He asserted that anyone possessing relevant information has a duty to disclose it fully when requested.
The Prime Minister stated clearly: "Firstly, I always approach this question with the victims of Epstein in mind. Epstein's victims have to be the first priority. Whether there should be an apology, that's a matter for Andrew. But, yes, in terms of testifying, I've always said anybody who's got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they're asked to do that because you can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that."
New Photographic Evidence Emerges
The latest disclosure from the US Department of Justice, published on Friday, comprises over three million documents. Among these are photographs without captions showing a man resembling Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in compromising positions.
- One image appears to depict the former duke crouching over an unidentified woman.
- Another shows him kneeling on the floor beside a woman who is lying down.
- A further photograph suggests Andrew touching the woman's abdomen, with an unidentified person's feet visible on a table in the background.
The exact location and context of these photographs remain unknown, but their inclusion in the official files has intensified scrutiny.
Email Exchanges and Financial Transactions
Beyond the visual evidence, the document dump contains screenshots and scans revealing email correspondence between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. These exchanges discuss a "beautiful" Russian woman and include an invitation for Epstein to visit Buckingham Palace.
Separately, the files detail financial transactions involving Lord Mandelson, the former ambassador to the United States. Communications between Epstein and Reinaldo Avila da Silva, Lord Mandelson's husband, reference a payment of £10,000 for attendance at the British School of Osteopathy. This transaction reportedly occurred while Lord Mandelson served as Business Secretary.
Lord Mandelson, who was dismissed as chief envoy to Washington DC last September after revelations of his continued contact with Epstein, has since issued an unequivocal apology to Epstein's victims.
Political Repercussions and Standards
When questioned about whether Lord Mandelson's actions met the expected standards of a peer, Sir Keir responded: "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 and I've nothing more to say in relation to Peter Mandelson."
The Prime Minister's comments underscore the ongoing political and legal ramifications of the Epstein case, highlighting the imperative for transparency and accountability from all individuals linked to the disgraced financier.
