A UK government minister has stated that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor should travel to the US to answer questions regarding Jeffrey Epstein if requested, following the removal of the former prince’s name from the official peerage roll.
Shortly after the announcement that King Charles had revoked his brother’s titles, including the Duke of York, his HRH status, and honors, Buckingham Palace confirmed Andrew’s name had been struck from the roll, effectively ending his public life. The disgraced royal will relocate from the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor to private accommodations on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with Charles providing financial support for his brother.
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will make her own living arrangements. Their daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, will retain their titles as grandchildren of a sovereign, in accordance with King George V’s 1917 letters patent.
Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne and a counsellor of state, though this role has been described as inactive since he was not a working royal.
Justice Secretary David Lammy, as lord chancellor, oversees the peerage roll and was to receive royal warrants from the king to remove Andrew’s name, though the exact timing remains unclear.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant expressed strong support for Charles’s decision, stating that most people in the country would agree it was the right move. He described Andrew as an “ordinary member of the public” and suggested he should comply with any requests from US authorities to answer questions about Epstein’s crimes. Bryant added that if a Senate committee were to ask for Andrew’s cooperation, he would expect him to respond appropriately.
The king’s statement on Thursday evening concluded two weeks of difficult negotiations after Andrew offered to stop using his titles voluntarily. This gesture failed to quell negative press when it was revealed he was resisting moving out of Royal Lodge.
Throughout the process, the palace was mindful of the impact on Andrew and his family. The decision was reportedly driven by serious errors in judgment related to Andrew’s association with Epstein. Recent disclosures included allegations that Andrew asked his police protection officer to investigate his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, and a leaked email suggesting he remained in contact with Epstein beyond December 2010, contradicting his earlier claims.
A photo from what is believed to be Beatrice’s 18th birthday party, featuring Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein at Royal Lodge, also surfaced.
The king’s action was likely influenced by the posthumous release of Giuffre’s memoir, “Nobody’s Girl,” in which she reiterated her allegations—strongly denied by Andrew—that she was forced to have sex with him three times while trafficked by Epstein.
Palace sources indicated that taking action was unavoidable. While removing a dukedom typically requires legislation, the king used his royal prerogative to avoid parliamentary procedures and focus on matters of national importance.
Pressure mounted as the public accounts committee released a list of detailed questions sent to Andrew.The family of Giuffre stated to the BBC that she has “never stopped fighting for accountability.” They added, “Today, an ordinary American girl from a typical family brought down a British prince with her truth and remarkable courage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the UK ministers statement regarding Prince Andrew and the US inquiries into Jeffrey Epstein designed to be clear concise and in a natural tone
Basic Definition Questions
1 What is this story about
This story is about a UK government minister saying that if US authorities officially ask for Prince Andrews cooperation in their Jeffrey Epstein investigation the Prince should provide it
2 Who is Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew is the third child of Queen Elizabeth II and holds the title Duke of York He is no longer a working member of the Royal Family
3 Who was Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy American financier who was a convicted sex offender He was arrested in 2019 on new sex trafficking charges and died in jail in an apparent suicide
4 What is Prince Andrews connection to Epstein
Prince Andrew was friends with Jeffrey Epstein for a number of years He has publicly stated that this friendship was a mistake
The Legal Political Situation
5 What did the UK minister actually say
The minister didnt order the Prince to do anything He stated that if a formal request for assistance comes from the US the UK government would expect Prince Andrew to cooperate
6 Has Prince Andrew been charged with a crime in the US
No Prince Andrew has not been charged with any crime in the United States
7 Then why would the US want to talk to him
US authorities are continuing their investigation into Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking network They are interested in speaking to anyone who had significant contact with Epstein as they may have information that could aid the investigation or lead to charges against other associates
8 Hasnt Prince Andrew already spoken about this
Yes he gave a televised interview in 2019 which was widely criticized He has also settled a civil lawsuit out of court with Virginia Giuffre who accused him of sexual assault which he has always denied
Advanced Practical Questions
9 Can the US force Prince Andrew to testify or answer questions
The US cannot force him if he remains in the UK However if he were to travel to a country with an extradition treaty with the US he could potentially be compelled to appear if a formal legal request were made
