Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for Prince Andrew to testify before the US Congress regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Starmer emphasized that the former Duke of York needs to address his long-standing association with the financier, prioritizing the needs of Epstein’s victims.
Disturbing Photos Surface in DOJ Documents
Newly released files from the US Department of Justice include photographs depicting Prince Andrew leaning over an unidentified woman on the floor. In these undated images, the prince appears to kneel beside her, with one angle showing contact with her abdomen. The documents, totaling over three million pages, lack captions or location details, but they intensify scrutiny on Andrew’s friendship with Epstein, whom he has consistently denied any wrongdoing with.
Additional revelations in the files show that Andrew, who lost his royal titles due to his Epstein ties, extended a dinner invitation to the financier at Buckingham Palace in 2010—two years after Epstein’s guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Email Exchange Reveals Palace Dinner Plans
An email dated September 27, 2010, captures Andrew suggesting a private dinner at Buckingham Palace upon his return from Scotland to London, where Epstein was staying. He wrote of arranging “lots of privacy.” Epstein replied promptly, confirming his presence in London and requesting a time, adding that they would need private time. It remains unclear if the meeting occurred.
Further documents include screenshots showing Andrew agreeing to a dinner with a 26-year-old Russian woman described as “beautiful,” arranged by Epstein.
Starmer’s Stance on Testimony and Victims
While traveling to Japan for a trade visit, Starmer addressed the developments with reporters. He stated, “I have always approached this question with the victims of Epstein in mind. Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority. As for whether there should be an apology, that’s a matter for Andrew.”
Starmer continued, “But, yes, in terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that. You can’t be victim-centred if you’re not prepared to do that.”
Revelations Involving Lord Mandelson
The documents also highlight a financial transaction where Epstein wired £10,000 to Reinaldo Avila da Silva, husband of Labour peer Lord Mandelson, in 2009. An email from da Silva outlined costs for an osteopathy course, provided bank details, and ed gratitude for any assistance. Epstein responded by confirming the immediate wire transfer of the loan amount. The next day, da Silva thanked him for the funds that arrived in his account.
When asked about these details, Lord Mandelson, a key figure in Tony Blair’s New Labour project, maintained his previous position. He stated he had been “very clear” about his relationship with Epstein in prior BBC interviews and added, “I have nothing more to add.” Last month, Mandelson described his friendship with Epstein as a “most terrible mistake.”
Starmer declined further comment on Mandelson, noting that the peer had been removed as ambassador last September following additional information. He said, “I’ve nothing more to say in relation to Peter Mandelson.”
