PRINCE Andrew must testify to the FBI over the paedophile scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, an expert claims.
Newsweek’s Royal Editor Jack Royston told The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson on the Royal Exclusive Show that the duke has “questions to answer”.
Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein on a stroll together through New York’s Central Park[/caption]
The notorious photograph of Andrew with a young Virginia Giuffre[/caption]
Convicted paedophile Epstein died in 2019[/caption]
The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkonson, right, speaking with Newsweek’s Jack Royston, centre, and royal photographer Arthur Edwards, left[/caption]
It comes in response to discussions of Andrew’s 65th birthday last Wednesday – which he didn’t widely celebrate as he continues to shy away from the public eye.
He is said to have gone horse riding around the grounds of the Royal Lodge on the day.
Andrew’s dialled-down birthday celebrations come after there was uproar about the bells at Westminster being rung on his birthday years prior.
Questions still loom around Andrew and his friendship with Epstein which “he should be answering,” Newsweek’s Royal Editor Jack Royston explained.
He said: “I think he should have given a deposition to the FBI.
“They weren’t even trying to speak to him as a suspect they wanted to speak to him as a witness.
“It was the least he could have done.”
The Prince paid millions to Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre in an out-of-court settlement three years ago, while denying sexual assault accusations.
In 2020, the FBI asked the Home Office for help to quiz Andrew.
That investigation was paused last year.
In late January, the High Court files revealed Andy emailed Epstein in February 2011 saying “we’ll play some more soon”.
But in his BBC Newsnight interview, Andrew said he ceased contact with Epstein in December 2010 after they were pictured in New York.
Mr Kuvin said: “Victims have always wanted everyone involved in the Epstein circle to be fully prosecuted. That includes any powerful person.”
Jack also delved into the trouble Andrew may be bringing to the King – especially after his recent scrutiny for being friends with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tenbo.
During a tribunal hearing, judges concluded Yang had not been honest about his links to the Chinese state and could exploit his relationship with the duke and other public figures.
Jack said: “He’s now bringing more pressure and more concern for Charles with his relationship with his Chinese alleged spy Yang Tengbo, who obviously denies being a spy.
Royal expert Jack told the show Andrew should give the FBI a deposition[/caption]
Duke of York after attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk[/caption]
Andrew and King Charles pictured in 2012[/caption]
Jeffrey Epstein attends Launch of RADAR MAGAZINE at Hotel QT in 2005[/caption]
“And we are now getting more and more stories coming out about where Andrew is getting his money from which suggests that Yang Tengbo might have been the thin edge of the wedge.
“For Charles, obviously, Andrew’s going to need money if he’s going to stay at Royal Lodge for the rest of his life he’s going to need money, major amounts of money for the rest of his life.
“And if I was Charles I’d be very concerned about where that money is going to come from.
“Because if he’s willing to become a close confidant of a guy who basically the British think is a Chinese spy, who’s asking him to smuggle people in and out past security unseen, who’s clearly trying to foster a particular type of relationship that has rule-breaking sewn into it?
“I mean that is absolutely the behaviour of somebody who is trying to cultivate a source, an asset, a contact.
“I would be very worried about the Andrew situation if I was Charles.”
Andrew is said to be too scared to visit the US again amid fresh calls for an FBI probe into the scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke of York fears he may be arrested after revelations in court documents prompted calls for a new criminal investigation.
President Donald Trump’s pick to be FBI director has vowed to “do everything” to expose accomplices of late paedophile Epstein.
And a lawyer for victims says the UK Government should “turn him (Andrew) over” for questioning.
A pal of the Prince said: “He is terrified if he goes to America he could be arrested, face civil action or be subpoenaed.
“He used to be Air Miles Andy but he’ll never risk going to America again.
“Since the whole thing blew up, he’s only been to Bahrain, where he has friends. There hasn’t been a single golf trip to Spain or holiday abroad.”
Spencer Kuvin, US lawyer for many of Epstein’s victims, said: “The British monarchy should be embarrassed. He should be fully separated from the monarchy and the public should never be subsidising someone who has either such bad judgment to be friends with this man or could have been involved with him.
“The President should require his new FBI director to fully investigate Andrew’s conduct.
“The Government should turn him over for that and demand he volunteer himself to be a part of it. The King should do that,
“Andrew should be held accountable by the monarchy.”
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