Keir Starmer Issues Major Warning To Ex-Prince Andrew Following 'Shaming' Epstein File Release

Ex-prince Andrew's long shadow over Buckingham Palace lengthens once more. New Epstein files have reignited scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ties to the convicted sex offender, prompting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to issue a pointed demand during his Asia tour: the former prince should testify before the U.S. Congress.

Speaking to reporters in Japan on Saturday, Starmer prioritised victims above all. 'Firstly I always approach this question with the victims of Epstein's in mind. Epstein's victims have to be the first priority,' he said. 'Whether there should be an apology, that's a matter for Andrew. But, yes, in terms of testifying, 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 because you can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that.'

The files — over three million pages released Friday by the U.S. Department of Justice — include images appearing to show Andrew crouched on all fours over an unidentified woman, his hand on her abdomen. Another angle shows feet on a table in the background. The undated photos carry no captions or location details, but their emergence has intensified pressure on the shamed royal.

Epstein Files Shame Andrew: Crouching Photos And Palace Invites Revealed

Emails in the files further entangle Andrew. Screenshots suggest he exchanged messages with Epstein about a 'beautiful' 26-year-old Russian woman and invited the financier to dinner at Buckingham Palace. Epstein reportedly declined Andrew's 50th birthday invitation at St James's Palace in 2010, citing inability to attend.​

Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife, features prominently. Epstein urged her to release a statement claiming he was 'not a pedo' and that she had been 'duped' into believing false allegations. In August 2009, 'Sarah' emailed Epstein: 'Thank you for being the brother I have always wished for' and that she had 'never been more touched by a friend's kindness'.​

Lord Peter Mandelson, sacked last year as UK ambassador to Washington after Epstein revelations, received £10,000 from Epstein in 2009 for his husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva's osteopathy course, per bank records. Mandelson has 'no recollection' of the payments and cannot verify their authenticity. He previously apologised unequivocally to Epstein's victims for maintaining ties post-conviction.

Victim-Centred Justice: Starmer Demands Accountability From Epstein Circle

Starmer's comments respond to U.S. House Democrats, including Rep. Robert Garcia, who accused Andrew of 'hiding' from their Epstein investigation. The former prince, stripped of royal titles and military honours by King Charles, settled a 2022 civil suit with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he assaulted her aged 17 (he denies meeting her and disputes a famous photo).​

The files' release — mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act — coincides with congressional scrutiny. Starmer emphasised a 'victim-centred' approach demands transparency. Andrew faces calls to address his Epstein dealings publicly, amid questions about palace access and Epstein's post-conviction influence.

For Giuffre and countless survivors, these files offer vindication but no closure. Starmer's intervention signals Britain's willingness to cooperate internationally, placing Andrew's silence under unprecedented pressure. As the former prince contemplates his next move, one truth endures: Epstein's victims remain the moral compass guiding this unfolding reckoning.