Prince Andrew expects to flee after Epstein congress summons
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – the disgraced former Duke of York – is ‘100 per cent sure’ he will move to the Middle East, insiders said RadarOnline.comas he faces mounting legal and public pressure following a call from the US Congress over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The 65-year-old, who was stripped of his royal and noble titles by King Charles III last week, has reportedly been given refuge in a $20 million villa on a secure royal compound in Abu Dhabi.
The sprawling residence, complete with a private cinema, gym and plunge pool, is owned by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – an old acquaintance of Andrew’s from their days at Gordonstoun School in Scotland.
A source close to the ex-royal said: “Andrew has made it clear to those around him that he will not be publicly questioned again in America. He feels hunted and humiliated and sees Abu Dhabi as the only place he will be left alone. People close to him are 100 percent sure he will go.”
An invitation to appear before the US House Oversight Committee has increased the pressure on ‘ordinary’ Andy. In a letter signed by 16 members of Congress, Democratic officials requested that Andrew participate in a transcribed interview as part of their investigation into Epstein’s criminal network.
The committee wrote: “The Oversight Committee will investigate allegations of abuse by Mountbatten Windsor and seek information about Epstein’s activities, network and associates based on the men’s long-standing and well-documented friendship.”
Commission chairman Robert Garcia said: “Rich and powerful men have evaded justice for far too long. Now the former Prince Andrew has the chance to come clean and deliver justice to survivors.”
The subpoena followed the committee’s discovery of “financial documents with annotations such as ‘massage for Andrew,'” which lawmakers said raised “serious questions.” Andrew has been asked to respond by November 20.
A political insider said: “Lawmakers are determined to send a message. Epstein’s network reaches far and wide, and Andrew’s connection keeps coming. If he tries to dodge questions, they are prepared to file contempt charges even if he is outside America.”
Andrew’s situation has deteriorated since his brother, King Charles, formally revoked his remaining honors. The palace confirmed that he would now be known solely as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and that his title Duke of York has been dropped from the Roll of Peerages.
Sources say the decision followed his alleged refusal to approve public statements expressing sympathy for Epstein’s victims.
A royal insider said: “Charles ran out of patience. Every time aides added lines expressing his condolences for the victims, Andrew had them removed. Finally, the king put his foot down and made it clear the message would come directly from him.”
The fallout from the Epstein scandal has haunted Andrew since his disastrous situation 2019 News night interview with the BBC, in which he denied sexually abusing Virginia Giuffre – who accused him of abusing her three times after she was trafficked by Epstein. He later settled a civil case with Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed amount, but he maintains his innocence.
A source said: “Abu Dhabi is now a perfect fit for Andrew. It offers privacy and tight media control, and he is still treated with respect. He could live comfortably under royal security, away from public scrutiny and controversy.”
Political figures in Britain have urged him to cooperate with law enforcement officials. One source said: “Andrew Mountbatten Windsor should face Congress and answer questions about his connection to Epstein and the victims. He should also testify in Britain – the world has the right to know the full truth.”
From this week, Andrew will be staying at the Royal Lodge in Windsor with orders to vacate the property by the end of the year – a move insiders say RadarOnline.com has only “strengthened his resolve” to disappear abroad.
