What's happened
As of November 19, 2025, 16 US Democratic lawmakers have formally requested a transcribed interview with Prince Andrew regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. This follows King Charles III's official removal of Andrew's royal titles. Concurrently, New Mexico legislators propose a commission to investigate Epstein's Zorro Ranch, amid allegations of sex trafficking there.
What's behind the headline?
Congressional Pressure on Prince Andrew
The US House Oversight Committee's request for a transcribed interview with Prince Andrew marks a significant escalation in efforts to uncover the full scope of Epstein's criminal network. Despite lacking subpoena power over foreign nationals, the letter—signed by 16 Democratic members—signals persistent political will to hold enablers accountable.
Royal Fallout and Public Accountability
King Charles III's unprecedented move to strip Andrew of his HRH style and princely titles underscores the monarchy's response to public and political pressure. This rare action, the first of its kind since 1919, reflects the severity of the allegations and the reputational risk to the Crown.
New Mexico's Zorro Ranch Investigation
The proposed truth commission in New Mexico aims to fill gaps in the historical record regarding Epstein's activities at Zorro Ranch. Survivors' testimonies suggest sex trafficking extended to this secluded property, with state authorities criticized for missed intervention opportunities. The $2.5 million budget proposal indicates a serious commitment to uncovering systemic failures.
Broader Implications
This convergence of congressional inquiry, royal sanction, and state-level investigation illustrates a multi-jurisdictional effort to address Epstein's legacy. The focus on co-conspirators and enablers, including financial records with suspicious notations, suggests forthcoming revelations. The public and political appetite for transparency will likely sustain pressure on implicated figures.
Forecast
Prince Andrew's response by November 20 will be closely watched but is unlikely to compel testimony. The New Mexico commission, pending legislative approval, will deepen understanding of local complicity. These developments will continue to shape discourse on accountability for high-profile sexual abuse cases and institutional responsibility.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that 16 Democratic members of Congress have requested Prince Andrew's participation in a transcribed interview, emphasizing the committee's aim to identify Epstein's co-conspirators and enablers. They note the letter's deadline of November 20 and acknowledge the lack of subpoena power over foreign nationals. The report also highlights New Mexico legislators' proposal for a truth commission to investigate Epstein's Zorro Ranch, citing survivor testimonies and state oversight failures.
AP News focuses on the New Mexico commission proposal, quoting Representative Andrea Romero on the need to uncover what officials knew and how crimes were unreported. It situates the investigation within a broader international context, noting King Charles III's formal stripping of Andrew's titles.
SBS and Sky News detail the congressional letter to Andrew, underscoring allegations from Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir and financial records with suspicious notations like "massage for Andrew." Sky News provides extensive excerpts from the letter, highlighting the committee's investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking operations and efforts to intimidate victims.
The Independent and NY Post emphasize the formal removal of Andrew's titles by King Charles and the political implications of the congressional request, noting the letter is not a subpoena but a formal inquiry.
Together, these sources illustrate a coordinated political and legal effort spanning US Congress, UK monarchy, and New Mexico state authorities, reflecting the complex, multi-layered nature of the Epstein scandal and its ongoing repercussions.
How we got here
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in 2019, was linked to Prince Andrew through allegations of sexual abuse by Virginia Giuffre. After a 2022 settlement, renewed scrutiny arose from Giuffre's posthumous memoir and newly released emails. King Charles III stripped Andrew of his titles in October 2025. New Mexico's Zorro Ranch, owned by Epstein, is under investigation for unreported crimes.
Go deeper
- What is the US Congress hoping to learn from Prince Andrew?
- How will the New Mexico truth commission operate?
- What led King Charles III to strip Prince Andrew of his titles?
More on these topics
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Virginia Louise Giuffre is an American advocate of justice for sex trafficking victims. She is one of the most prominent and outspoken survivors of the sex trafficking ring that was operated by convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay since 1952, and he is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history.