UK Minister Suggests Ex-Prince Andrew Should Answer US Questions on Epstein If Asked
A UK government minister has called on former Prince Andrew to answer questions about his association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein if he is asked by a US Senate committee. The minister's comments come after King Charles formally stripped his brother of all titles, including Duke of York and HRH style, effectively ending his public life.
Andrew will now live in private accommodation on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with the king making financial provision for him going forward. However, there are still questions about Andrew's future involvement in royal duties and whether he should retain his role as a counsellor of state.
The justice secretary, David Lammy, was responsible for maintaining the roll of peerages and was expected to be sent royal warrants by the king to remove Andrew's name from the list. However, it appears that the decision to strip him of his titles was made using the king's powers of royal prerogative rather than legislation.
Andrew remains eighth in line of succession to the throne, but his role as a non-working royal has been described as "inactive". The minister's comments suggest that if Andrew is asked to answer questions about Epstein, he should comply like any ordinary member of the public.
The move to strip Andrew of his titles follows a series of revelations about his involvement with Epstein, including allegations that he asked his police protection officer to arrange checks on his sexual assault accuser. A leaked email also showed that Andrew and Epstein remained in touch despite claiming they had ceased contact in 2010.
Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will make her own arrangements, while their daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, will retain their titles as daughters of the son of a sovereign. The king's decision has been widely welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step to distance the royal family from Andrew's scandals.
The move has also been praised by Giuffre's family, who said they had "never stopped fighting for accountability" and credited Andrew with being brought down by her truth and courage.
A UK government minister has called on former Prince Andrew to answer questions about his association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein if he is asked by a US Senate committee. The minister's comments come after King Charles formally stripped his brother of all titles, including Duke of York and HRH style, effectively ending his public life.
Andrew will now live in private accommodation on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, with the king making financial provision for him going forward. However, there are still questions about Andrew's future involvement in royal duties and whether he should retain his role as a counsellor of state.
The justice secretary, David Lammy, was responsible for maintaining the roll of peerages and was expected to be sent royal warrants by the king to remove Andrew's name from the list. However, it appears that the decision to strip him of his titles was made using the king's powers of royal prerogative rather than legislation.
Andrew remains eighth in line of succession to the throne, but his role as a non-working royal has been described as "inactive". The minister's comments suggest that if Andrew is asked to answer questions about Epstein, he should comply like any ordinary member of the public.
The move to strip Andrew of his titles follows a series of revelations about his involvement with Epstein, including allegations that he asked his police protection officer to arrange checks on his sexual assault accuser. A leaked email also showed that Andrew and Epstein remained in touch despite claiming they had ceased contact in 2010.
Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will make her own arrangements, while their daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, will retain their titles as daughters of the son of a sovereign. The king's decision has been widely welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step to distance the royal family from Andrew's scandals.
The move has also been praised by Giuffre's family, who said they had "never stopped fighting for accountability" and credited Andrew with being brought down by her truth and courage.