Freshly released U.S. court records have intensified international scrutiny of Prince Andrew, prompting a public intervention from Keir Starmer, who said the former royal should cooperate with investigators and testify if asked by the U.S. Congress. The comments came as the U.S. Department of Justice disclosed millions of pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein, reopening questions about Andrew's relationship with the financier.
Speaking to reporters during an official visit to Japan, Starmer framed his remarks around victims. "Firstly I always approach this question with the victims of Epstein's in mind. Epstein's victims have to be the first priority," Starmer said. He added, "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."
The Justice Department release-mandated by recent transparency legislation-runs to more than three million pages and includes undated photographs that appear to show Andrew in compromising proximity to an unidentified woman. The images, which carry no captions or location data, have amplified calls for clarity from a figure who has largely retreated from public view since settling a civil lawsuit in 2022.
Emails contained in the files also describe exchanges between Epstein and Andrew, including references to a "beautiful" 26-year-old Russian woman and invitations extended to Epstein for dinners at Buckingham Palace. Other correspondence indicates Epstein declined an invitation to Andrew's 50th birthday celebration at St James's Palace in 2010.
The disclosures draw additional figures into the spotlight. Messages show Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's former wife, corresponding warmly with Epstein in 2009. One email attributed to "Sarah" reads, "Thank you for being the brother I have always wished for," adding she had "never been more touched by a friend's kindness." Separate documents indicate Epstein urged Ferguson to issue a statement asserting he was "not a pedo" and that she had been misled by allegations.
Financial records in the cache also reference payments to Peter Mandelson, a former U.K. ambassador to Washington, for an osteopathy course for his husband. Mandelson has said he has "no recollection" of the transaction and previously apologized to Epstein's victims for maintaining contact after Epstein's conviction.
Starmer's remarks follow calls from U.S. lawmakers, including Rep. Robert Garcia, who said Andrew should not evade congressional scrutiny. Andrew, stripped of royal patronages and military affiliations by King Charles III, has denied wrongdoing and disputes allegations raised by Virginia Giuffre, whose lawsuit he settled without admission of liability.
