Jeffrey Epstein Investigation: Prince Andrew Doesn't Have 'Exit Strategy,' But Experts' Advice Could Indicate Future
Prince Andrew has continued to be connected to the ongoing investigation surrounding Jeffrey Epstein due to the friendship the two shared prior to the financier's death. Now, following the arrest of Epstein's former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, some experts are offering advice to the Duke of York as he looks ahead.
Leading up to Maxwell's next court appearance to face charges on four counts in connection with the trafficking of a minor for criminal sexual activity and two counts of perjury, British public relations agent Mark Borkowski is sharing what he believes Queen Elizabeth II's son needs to do moving forward.
After stating that the member of the British royal family is "inextricably linked with the story," Borkowski told NBC News that he doesn't believe there is a proper "exit strategy." As a result, he indicated that he thinks Andrew should either remain silent about the investigation or invite U.S. authorities to the United Kingdom so that he can explain his relationship with both Epstein and Maxwell.
After acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss for the Southern District of New York stated that they would "welcome Prince Andrew coming in to talk," NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos shared what he believes the royal should do as well.
Due to the fact that the Duke is only a witness, Cevallos stated that authorities could not force him to appear. However, U.S. attorneys could travel to the U.K. to conduct an interview. "If I was defending Prince Andrew, he would never leave the U.K. again, and he would only give carefully vetted written statements," Cevallos elaborated.
If officials do ultimately travel overseas to interview Prince Andrew, it would circumvent the possibility that the royal could be served with a subpoena or lawsuit. By entering the United States, he could also face extradition proceedings, even though many agree that that would be an unlikely scenario.
Prince Andrew's behavior throughout the ongoing Epstein investigation has also been discussed in other ways in recent months aside from the new advice offered by experts. Not only has it been alleged that the Duke had knowledge of illegal behavior, but it has also been reported that he could face new legal trouble if he is not "released" in certain documents by Epstein's victims.
READ: Prince William, Kate Middleton Played Role In Blocking ABC News' Jeffrey Epstein Reporting
Looking ahead, U.S. prosecutors could gather new information through written testimonies or prosecutors collecting evidence if they travel to the U.K., but Andrew would be under "no obligation" to provide what they're seeking said Mark Stephens, a media lawyer at the London-based law firm Howard Kennedy LLP.
"You can subpoena someone to court, but you can't force someone to give evidence," Stephens concluded.
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