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Will Prince Andrew ever actually be held to account for his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?

Only time will tell, but the walls seem to be closing in, and pressure on the royal intensifying.

Netflix’s Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich hasn’t helped his cause, with the docuseries featuring a number of claims against Prince Andrew, backing up what other accusers have said these past few years.

Now federal prosecutors in New York have formally requested to speak with Prince Andrew, as part of the investigation into Epstein’s history of sexual abuse, reports NBC News:

The request, made under a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, or MLAT, is similar to a subpoena in this case for Prince Andrew’s testimony.

It’s a rare move to seek an interview like this through MLAT, officials say, and it’s focused on making sure the investigation is as thorough as possible…

Federal investigators have been trying for months to speak with Andrew, a longtime friend of Epstein’s who has been accused by one woman of sexual abuse.

In March, Prince Andrew’s representatives said they would not cooperate with any investigation, despite having earlier publicly stated that he would assist wherever necessary.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman stated at the time that his office was “considering its options”, culminating in this formal request over the weekend.

The request will need to be approved by the British government, but if that happens, the FBI could ask Andrew to give evidence under oath as a witness.

Over to the New York Post:

Unlike his mother Queen Elizabeth, Prince Andrew does not have sovereign immunity from prosecution. If he is forced to testify he might still be able to do it from behind closed doors, the report said.

“It’s a huge statement of intent from the US and it moves Andrew into the realms of a criminal investigation. It’s also frankly a diplomatic nightmare,” a source said.

“The DOJ does not make a request of this nature lightly, especially one involving a senior member of the British royal family. It puts the UK government in a very difficult position – and the Duke of York even more so.”

Wouldn’t it be lovely if Andrew was forced to give evidence, and squealed on all of the other powerful people involved?

The worst repercussion Prince Andrew has faced thus far is being booted from royal duties, and that is simply not going to cut it.

[sources:nbcnews&nypost]