Calls for cooperation grow just days after Duke secures mansion stay
Just as Prince Andrew appeared to have scored a major win in his battle to retain Royal Lodge, he has been hit with a renewed push to answer lingering questions surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke of York, who was stripped of his royal roles due to his association with the convicted sex offender, recently resolved a tense standoff with King Charles, reportedly allowing him to remain in his 30-room Windsor residence. But that brief relief has now been overshadowed by growing calls for him to testify before US authorities.
Prominent US attorney Gloria Allred, who represents several Epstein victims, has publicly urged Andrew to appear before Congress. “He can volunteer to testify,” she said, speaking via The Mirror. “His silence is a statement that he’s not willing to help.”
Although a recent FBI investigation concluded that several allegations in the Epstein case were based on “unfounded theories,” Andrew remains linked to the scandal due to his past friendship with Epstein and persistent accusations that he has avoided full cooperation with investigators.
The Duke has always denied any wrongdoing, including allegations of sexual misconduct involving Virginia Giuffre when she was underage. However, Allred argues that Andrew’s refusal to offer public testimony only fuels suspicion.
“There’s nothing Prince Andrew can say or do to make it go away,” she said. “It’s news around the world. People want to know who was involved in trafficking or abusing children.”
Highlighting his now-infamous BBC interview, which severely damaged his public image, Allred questioned why Andrew would not now step forward under oath. She also suggested that he could provide testimony from the UK via deposition, avoiding the need to travel to the US.
With public scrutiny once again mounting, Andrew’s legal and reputational battles appear far from over—even as he holds on to his royal residence.
