Overwhelming Public Support for Andrew's Testimony
A significant majority of the British public believes Prince Andrew should be compelled to provide evidence to the United States Congress regarding his connections to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. A new YouGov survey has indicated that 75% of people questioned think the King's brother should have to testify before American legislators.
Mounting Political Pressure
This public sentiment comes as US politicians intensify their criticism of the former prince, accusing him of 'hiding' after he missed a November 20 deadline to respond to their formal request for a transcribed interview. The request was made by the House Oversight Committee as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein's extensive sex trafficking operations.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently weighed in on the matter, stating that "if you have relevant information you should be prepared to share it". This political pressure is compounded by the findings that support for Andrew testifying is strongest among younger Britons, with 78% of those aged 25-49 in favour, compared to 69% of the over-65 demographic.
Historical Context and Ongoing Fallout
The controversy surrounding Andrew has led to significant consequences. King Charles III officially stripped his brother of his HRH style and princely title, additionally removing his dukedom from the Roll of the Peerage due to what were described as Andrew's "serious lapses" of judgement.
This decision followed the publication of posthumous memoirs by Andrew's accuser, Virginia Giuffre, and the US government's release of documents from Epstein's estate. Particularly damaging was the emergence of a 2011 email from Andrew to Epstein stating "we're in this together", sent just three months after the prince claimed to have severed all contact with the disgraced financier.
The scandal continues to have tangible repercussions, with Mid and East Antrim Council in Northern Ireland agreeing to begin the process of renaming Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus. Alliance Party councillor Lauren Gray has proposed that the street should instead receive a "fitting tribute" to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied all allegations of sexual assault made against him by Ms Giuffre.
