The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, faces mounting pressure after reportedly ignoring an official request to provide testimony to American lawmakers about his connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Congressional Summons Goes Unanswered
US Congressman Suhas Subramanyam confirmed that Prince Andrew failed to respond to an official summons from the House oversight committee, which had requested his cooperation for a transcribed interview by the deadline of Thursday, 20 November 2025. The committee sought his testimony as part of their ongoing investigation into the activities of the late financier and convicted paedophile.
Despite the committee's formal request, Buckingham Palace has maintained complete silence on the matter, with no acknowledgement or response to the American lawmakers' demands. This silence has prompted accusations from across the Atlantic that the royal is deliberately attempting to evade questioning.
Legal Limitations and Political Pressure
While the US House oversight committee possesses significant investigative powers within the United States, it lacks the legal authority to compel testimony from non-US citizens who reside abroad. This jurisdictional limitation means Prince Andrew faces no immediate legal obligation to comply with the request.
However, Democrat Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has emphasised that the investigation will proceed regardless. He warned that the committee remains determined to uncover the full truth about Epstein's network, suggesting that political and diplomatic pressure on the Duke may intensify in the coming weeks.
Historical Context and Ongoing Fallout
This is not the first time Prince Andrew has faced serious allegations concerning his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke previously reached a substantial out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault, allegations he has consistently and vehemently denied.
In a significant development that could reveal further details about the case, the full cache of Epstein-related documents is legally required to be made public within the next 30 days. This release follows legislation signed by former President Donald Trump. The documents will feature redactions solely to protect victims' identities, not to shield individuals from potential reputational damage.
The continuing silence from Prince Andrew's representatives contrasts sharply with the determined stance of US investigators, setting the stage for a prolonged diplomatic and legal standoff that keeps the royal at the centre of an international scandal.
