A group of sixteen U.S. lawmakers has formally called on the Federal Bureau of Investigation to launch a criminal investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The request comes in light of new evidence disclosed earlier this year that allegedly links the former prince to questionable conduct on American soil.
The congressional members, who have been conducting their own inquiry into Epstein’s network, have expressed frustration with Mountbatten-Windsor’s refusal to respond to an invitation to testify via video before the House Oversight Committee late last year. They argue that recently released photos included in a large set of Department of Justice documents warrant further scrutiny. Among the images are at least three that reportedly show the ex-Duke of York in a compromising position—on his hands and knees over a fully clothed woman—raising renewed calls for investigation.
Representative Ted Lieu of California emphasized that the images alone justify opening a probe. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Robert Garcia urged Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate, stating that the former royal should seize the opportunity to "come clean" and assist in providing justice for Epstein’s survivors.
Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, currently faces investigations by at least nine law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom over allegations of sexual misconduct and misconduct in public office during his years serving as a trade envoy. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, the billionaire financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Though U.S. lawmakers lack the authority to subpoena Mountbatten-Windsor, their calls for his testimony continue as the House Oversight Committee prepares for a meeting scheduled for Thursday. The session is expected to provide further details on the proposed FBI probe into the former prince.
The committee will also hear testimony from Leon Black, a U.S. billionaire and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, who has voluntarily appeared before the panel twice before and was compelled to give evidence a third time. Black resigned from his position in 2021 amid controversy over his financial ties to Epstein.
Documents released by the Department of Justice detail payments totaling approximately £126 million made by Black to Epstein over five years, described as for "tax and estate planning advice." Black, 74, has maintained these payments were legitimate. Investigators also plan to question him about a settlement Epstein arranged between Black and a "Russian model" with whom Black had a relationship. According to the files, Black paid the woman roughly $100,000 per month for 15 years, amounting to about £13.5 million.
Separately, former British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell—who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking and conspiracy—has claimed that at least 25 wealthy and influential men reached secret financial settlements with Epstein’s victims. The names of these individuals have been redacted from the Department of Justice’s documents, keeping their identities confidential.
The ongoing investigations highlight the extensive reach of Epstein’s network and the continuing efforts by both U.S. and British authorities to hold alleged associates accountable.