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The political pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reached a boiling point. Following the release of three million documents in the latest Jeffrey Epstein file dump, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has broken with tradition to speak out. In a landmark statement made while traveling in East Asia, Starmer called for the former prince to finally cooperate with US investigators.
"Epstein’s victims have to be the first priority," Starmer told reporters on Saturday. His comments mark a significant shift in the British government’s stance. While Andrew has spent years avoiding the US Department of Justice and the FBI, the Prime Minister’s "victim-centered" approach suggests that the era of royal protection is over.
A Tough New Stance from Downing Street
In the past, British Prime Ministers have avoided commenting on the private lives of the Royal Family. However, since King Charles III stripped Andrew of his titles and military honors late in 2025, the government now treats him as a private citizen.
Starmer was asked directly if Andrew should sit for a deposition or testify before the US Congress. His answer was a firm "yes."
"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," Starmer said. "Because you can't be victim-centered if you are not prepared to do that."
Why the Pressure is Mounting Now
The Prime Minister's intervention comes as the 2026 file release revealed "grim" new evidence. The documents contain photographs that appear to show Andrew on all fours, crouching over a woman lying on the floor. While the context of the photos is unknown, they have reignited the global demand for answers.
Additionally, the files show that Andrew invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace for a private dinner in September 2010. This was just months after Epstein was released from prison for crimes involving minors. Starmer’s call for testimony is rooted in the belief that Andrew has information that could help provide closure for the survivors of Epstein’s network.
The Congressional Demand
In Washington, the House Oversight Committee has been trying to secure an interview with Andrew for years. Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has accused the former prince of "hiding" from meaningful investigations.
With the Prime Minister now publicly supporting the idea of testimony, Andrew’s legal team is in a difficult position. They have previously argued that Andrew has offered his assistance to the US authorities, but the DOJ has consistently disputed this claim. Starmer’s public "nudge" makes it harder for Andrew to remain silent without looking like he is obstructing justice.
The Impact of the "Victims First" Policy
Starmer’s emphasis on victims is a powerful political tool. By framing the issue as a matter of justice for survivors—rather than a royal scandal—he has made it difficult for anyone to defend Andrew’s silence.
The Prime Minister’s stance is likely to be welcomed by victim advocates. Virginia Giuffre, who settled a civil lawsuit with Andrew in 2022 and tragically passed away in 2025, spent years calling for him to speak to the FBI. Her posthumous memoir, which was released shortly before her death, is said to have played a major role in the King’s decision to remove Andrew’s titles.
The Royal Family's Dilemma
While Starmer stated that an apology from Andrew is "a matter for him," the call to testify is a matter of public interest. The Monarchy is trying to move forward under King Charles III, focusing on duty and service. Andrew’s continued presence in the headlines as a "fugitive" from a US inquiry is a major distraction.
Insiders say the King is "weary" of the constant flow of new documents. By allowing the Prime Minister to take a tough stance, the Palace can distance itself further from Andrew. It sends a clear message: if you are involved in a criminal investigation, you must face it as an individual, not as a member of the Royal Family.
What Happens Next?
The ball is now in Andrew’s court. If he continues to refuse to testify, he faces total social and political isolation. In 2026, the public demand for "the truth" is stronger than ever.
As journalists continue to sift through the millions of pages released by the DOJ, more questions will undoubtedly arise. Whether it is about his dinners at the Palace or his trips to Epstein’s island, the world wants the story from Andrew’s own mouth. As Keir Starmer put it, if he truly cares about the victims, he must be prepared to share what he knows.
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