Former Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre
Former Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre, with Ghislaine Maxwell in the background AFP News

Former Prince Andrew faces mounting pressure from US authorities, legal representatives, and political figures to provide evidence regarding his knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's activities, amid revelations of failed attempts to secure his cooperation.

A royal source, however, told the BBC, 'Anyone who has information should consider helping any investigation.'

'But that is ultimately a matter for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his conscience,' they said.

Buckingham Palace maintains a cautious stance, emphasising the importance of supporting victims while avoiding direct comment on ongoing investigations.

'Not too late:' US efforts to interview Andrew's testimony

Advocates for Epstein's victims have urged Andrew to come forward.

Gloria Allred, a prominent lawyer representing multiple victims, questioned why Andrew appeared willing to give a televised interview but has not engaged with law enforcement.

'It's not too late and he does have information he could share,' she said.

'Why was he willing to speak to the BBC in a one-hour catastrophic television interview, but is not willing to speak to law enforcement?' Allred asked, alluding to his notable 2019 interview with BBC's Emily Maitlis, drew widespread criticism and did little to dispel accusations or encourage cooperation.

'He's not the one who should decide whether he knows anything that could help in the investigation,' Allred said.

She highlighted that he possesses information that could assist ongoing investigations, though Andrew's legal team and royal sources remain silent on any forthcoming cooperation.

Political figures, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have also voiced expectations that anyone with relevant information should cooperate with authorities. Starmer's comments underscored that being victim-centred requires transparency from those with knowledge of Epstein's network.

'Firstly, 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 told various news outlets.

'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,' the prime minister said. '

You can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that.'

'A creeper through the years'

Virginia Giuffre's allegations against Andrew have garnered significant attention, claiming she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to engage in sexual activities with him when she was 17, with incidents purportedly occurring in London, New York, and Epstein's private island, Little St. James, in 2001.

In 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit filed by Giuffre for an undisclosed amount, reportedly millions, without admitting liability.

In February 2026, reports emerged of a second woman asserting she was also sent to the UK by Epstein for encounters with Andrew.

Newly released Department of Justice files in late 2025/early 2026 include disturbing photographs, one showing Andrew touching a woman whose face is redacted, and another featuring him with Ghislaine Maxwell and Giuffre.

Despite claiming in 2019 to have severed ties with Epstein in 2010, email leaks suggest he maintained contact into 2011.

'Keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon,' the former duke wrote to Epstein.

Witness Juan Alessi testified that Andrew spent weeks at Epstein's mansion, receiving massages from young women recruited by Epstein.

'He keeps hiding from us'

Andrew has repeatedly denied allegations linked to Epstein, asserting his innocence.

The lack of engagement has led to questions about his future role within the royal household and potential legal repercussions.

Democratic member of the oversight committee, Suhas Subramanyam, in the House of Representatives, told The Guardian that Andrew 'has been hiding from us, and I think he will continue to try to hide from people doing meaningful investigations of this matter'.

The US Department of Justice has made multiple efforts to obtain Prince Andrew's cooperation in the Epstein case, with emails revealing lengthy negotiations and repeated refusals.

In early 2020, US legal officials contacted Andrew's legal team, seeking a voluntary interview either in the UK or US, but exchanges became increasingly strained.

Despite claims of Andrew's willingness to assist, there has been no formal statement or appearance from him. The US authorities expressed frustration, indicating that efforts to secure a voluntary interview had been exhausted.