Royal Rift: PM Starmer Breaks Protocol, Urges Prince Andrew to Cooperate with U.S. Epstein Probe
TOKYO—In a move that underscores the deepening crisis surrounding the British royal family, Prime Minister Keir Starmer used a diplomatic stopover in Japan this weekend to deliver an unambiguous message: Prince Andrew must cooperate with the American investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer’s direct commentary on a member of the sovereign’s immediate family shatters a long-standing political convention in Westminster. For decades, ministers have deflected questions about royal conduct with the stock phrase, “a matter for the palace.” The Prime Minister’s remarks represent a significant erosion of that protective barrier and open a new, more perilous chapter for the Duke of York.
“My first consideration is always the victims of Epstein,” Starmer told reporters when asked if Andrew should apologize and testify. “Anyone with information should be prepared to share it in whatever form is requested. A victim-centered approach demands nothing less.”
The intervention follows the latest release of court documents related to Epstein, which include emails allegedly showing the financier arranging meetings for Andrew with young women, as well as controversial photographs. Historian and biographer Andrew Lownie, author of the critical biography Entitled, argues this material strengthens the case for a criminal investigation in the UK that has so far been absent.
“He pleads innocence but has been caught lying repeatedly,” Lownie stated in an interview. “The behavior—refusing to provide alibis, refusing to cooperate with law enforcement—is not that of an innocent man. There is a two-tier justice system at play here.”
Lownie contends that only sustained pressure from Parliament, including an inquiry into Andrew’s past role as a UK trade envoy, can break the impasse. “If the files from his envoy work were released, it would create a snowball effect,” he said.
The U.S. House Oversight Committee has repeatedly requested a transcribed interview with Andrew, aiming to “uncover the identities of Mr. Epstein’s co-conspirators.” While the Duke’s circle has dismissed these requests as political theater, Starmer’s background as the former Director of Public Prosecutions lends weight to his call for cooperation.
Analysts suggest that full cooperation with U.S. authorities would make it politically untenable for British police to avoid reopening their own probes into allegations, some of which involve the trafficking of women to the UK.
Within royal circles, the issue is now viewed as a long-term problem for the future monarch, Prince William, not just for King Charles III. The strategy of a quiet, multi-million-dollar civil settlement and Andrew’s retreat from public life was designed to contain the scandal. However, the steady drip of new evidence and the loss of political cover threaten to reignite it.
Reader Reactions:
“Finally, a PM with the backbone to state the obvious. The ‘never complain, never explain’ mantra has enabled systemic evasion for too long. This isn’t about royalty; it’s about justice.” — Martin Croft, Legal Analyst, London.
“Starmer is grandstanding on an international stage. This is a complex legal matter, not a PR opportunity. The U.S. Congress has no jurisdiction over a British citizen for events largely overseas.” — Eleanor Vance, Constitutional Historian, Oxford.
“It’s utterly infuriating! How many more photos and emails do we need? While ordinary people face the full force of the law, a prince hides behind palace walls. It’s a disgraceful parody of justice.” — Rebecca Shaw, Campaigner, Manchester.
“The real story is the institutional failure. Whether it’s the Met Police or the government, the reluctance to investigate powerful figures corrodes public trust fundamentally. Starmer’s words must be followed by action.” — David Chen, Political Commentator, Edinburgh.
The monarchy’s traditional playbook—silence, settlement, and slow retreat—appears to be failing. As more Epstein-related documents are scheduled for release, pressure for accountability is mounting from both sides of the Atlantic, leaving Prince Andrew with dwindling places to hide.