Capitol Hill Erupts Over Epstein Photos as Andrew Faces Fresh Heat and King Charles Backs Away

Tensions flared on Capitol Hill as Representative Ted Lieu confronted Attorney General Pam Bondi over newly released Jeffrey Epstein–related files that include photographs of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Lieu argued that redactions in the images confirmed the presence of a trafficking victim and questioned why Andrew has not been prosecuted. Bondi confirmed the victim’s face had been redacted under congressional law but pushed back when Lieu accused the Department of Justice of shutting down further investigation. Lieu responded that previous attorneys general had also “dropped the ball,” but said Bondi now has the power to act. Meanwhile, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse has urged Buckingham Palace to take stronger action. Juliette Bryant, speaking to the BBC, welcomed the King’s statement that he is “ready to support” police but asked whether the Palace would actually follow through, calling for Andrew’s records to be reviewed and made public if there is “nothing to hide.” Bryant has never met Andrew and has made no allegations against him. Andrew denies wrongdoing. As pressure mounts, King Charles is reportedly distancing himself financially. A source close to the King says he did not contribute to the roughly $15 million settlement Andrew paid in 2022 to resolve Virginia Giuffre’s civil lawsuit. Reports suggest funds came from other family sources. Andrew has denied wrongdoing. Legal experts now warn that if Andrew were formally investigated in the United Kingdom, the process could take years. While life imprisonment is technically the maximum sentence for certain serious misconduct offenses, solicitors stress that charges are not automatic and that he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Get episodes of Palace Intrigue by becommming a paid subscriber on Apple Podcasts. Click the button that says uninterrupted listening. Just $5 a month, and that includes many ofther shows on the Caloroga Shark network. Royal Books: William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana