Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been asked to testify before a U.S. congressional panel investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House Committee on Oversight, led by Democratic members, sent a letter to Mountbatten Windsor, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, requesting his appearance for questioning.

The committee announced its investigation on Thursday, stating it would look into "allegations of abuse by Mountbatten Windsor" and seek information regarding Epstein's operations and associates, given the men's long-standing friendship. Congressman Robert Garcia emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "Rich and powerful men have evaded justice for far too long. Now, former prince Andrew has the opportunity to come clean and provide justice for the survivors. Oversight Democrats will not stop fighting for accountability and transparency for survivors of Epstein and his gang of co-conspirators."

While Congress has the authority to subpoena individuals, this power does not extend to foreign nationals, meaning Mountbatten Windsor cannot be compelled to testify. He has until November 20 to respond to the committee's request.

Mountbatten Windsor has been described as a close associate of Epstein from 1999 to 2008. Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, alleged that Epstein trafficked her to Mountbatten Windsor as a teenager and that he sexually abused her. The former prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In 2019, he stepped back from royal duties amid public pressure following a controversial interview with the BBC's Newsnight program, where he maintained his innocence regarding the allegations. Last month, Giuffre's posthumously released memoir claimed that Mountbatten Windsor believed that having sex with her was his "birthright" and detailed multiple encounters, including one at an orgy on Epstein's private island.

Earlier this year, Democrats released records indicating that Mountbatten Windsor was a passenger on Epstein's private jet and suggested financial records showed possible payments from Epstein for "massages for Andrew." A lawsuit filed by Giuffre against Mountbatten Windsor for sexual assault was settled in February 2022, with estimates suggesting he paid around $16 million as part of the agreement.

Additionally, it was announced last month that Mountbatten Windsor's royal titles would be removed, with the official request submitted on November 5. A new entry in Britain's official public record confirmed that he would no longer hold the style or title of "Royal Highness" or the dignity of "Prince." King Charles III has also revoked his brother's living arrangements on the Windsor estate, which included a 30-room mansion.

Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019, and the investigation into his network continues to unfold.