Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces public backlash in the UK for evading requests by US lawmakers to testify against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to a recent YouGov survey, a significant majority of Britons believe Andrew should cooperate with the investigation. The survey indicates that 75 percent of UK adults think Andrew should provide testimony to the US Congress regarding his association with Epstein, whose relationship with the former prince has been surrounded by controversy.

Only nine percent of survey participants believe Andrew should not testify, with 16 percent remaining undecided. Interestingly, individuals over 65 were slightly less inclined to support Andrew’s obligation to testify.

Despite ongoing avoidance of US representatives’ requests, Andrew has come under heavy criticism from US lawmakers for his silence. The House Oversight Committee, the primary investigative body in the House of Representatives, had sought a transcribed interview from Andrew as part of its inquiry into Epstein and the US government’s handling of the case.

Following Andrew’s failure to meet the November 20 deadline, Democrats Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam issued a scathing statement condemning his reluctance to testify. The statement emphasized the need for Andrew to address the serious questions raised by the evidence reviewed, public records, and Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s testimony. It reiterated the committee’s commitment to pursuing justice for the survivors, regardless of individuals’ wealth, status, or political affiliations.

While the committee lacks the authority to compel non-US citizens like Andrew to testify, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggested that Andrew could exhibit remorse by cooperating with the investigation. However, Andrew’s continued evasion has fueled suspicions among committee members, such as Suhas Subramanyam, who stated that Andrew’s attempts to avoid scrutiny would not deter ongoing investigations into the matter.

The unfolding saga surrounding Andrew’s ties to Epstein underscores the prevailing public sentiment demanding transparency and accountability from the disgraced royal.