In a striking development that increases pressure on the royal family, a senior UK minister has publicly declared that the Duke of York should cooperate with American authorities investigating the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The statement comes as US investigators continue to seek answers about the disgraced financier's international network and the British royal's connections to it. The minister's comments represent the clearest indication yet that the government expects full cooperation from the former prince.
Growing Pressure for Transparency
While Buckingham Palace has consistently maintained that Andrew is a private citizen, the minister's intervention suggests that his status provides no exemption from international legal cooperation. The Duke has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein case, notably in his controversial BBC Newsnight interview.
The US investigation into Epstein's activities has continued to uncover new details about the scale of his operation, keeping attention focused on his high-profile associates. American authorities have indicated they remain interested in speaking with individuals who had significant contact with Epstein.
A Shadow Over the Royal Family
This development represents another chapter in the long-running saga that has plagued the royal household. Since settling his civil case with Virginia Giuffre out of court in 2022, Andrew has maintained a low public profile while being stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages.
The minister's statement underscores the ongoing tension between Andrew's desire for privacy and the persistent questions from American investigators determined to uncover the full extent of Epstein's network.
As the Epstein investigation continues to make headlines internationally, the pressure on those connected to the convicted sex offender shows no signs of abating. The UK government's position makes clear that royal status does not exempt individuals from answering legitimate questions from foreign law enforcement.
