Washington, D.C. – February 12, 2026 — A Democratic U.S. Congressman has publicly stated that the British Royal Family's international reputation is “on the line” due to its perceived handling—or lack thereof—of lingering questions surrounding the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the royal household’s past associations with him.
Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-Virginia), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the comment during an interview on a major U.S. news network on Wednesday. The remarks came amid renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s connection to Epstein following the unsealing of additional court documents, victim testimonies, and ongoing media coverage of the disgraced financier’s network.
“The Royal Family’s reputation is on the line here,” Rep. Subramanyam said. “When you have credible allegations, court documents, and victim statements that involve someone who was very close to the royal household, transparency and accountability matter. The world is watching to see whether the institution chooses to confront these issues head-on or continues to rely on silence and legal settlements.”
The Virginia lawmaker, who has previously spoken on human trafficking and accountability for high-profile figures linked to Epstein, emphasised that the issue transcends national borders. “This is not just a British matter. Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes were global. Victims deserve answers, and institutions that had any association—however distant—have a responsibility to show they take these allegations seriously,” he added.
Rep. Subramanyam’s comments reflect a growing chorus of international voices calling for greater openness from Buckingham Palace regarding Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein. The Duke of York, who stepped back from public royal duties in 2019 and was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in 2022, settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed sum. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The congressman did not call for specific sanctions or direct U.S. government action against the Royal Family but urged the institution to adopt a more proactive stance, including full cooperation with any ongoing investigations or inquiries related to Epstein’s activities. He noted that failure to do so risks further erosion of public trust in the monarchy at a time when royal institutions worldwide face increased scrutiny over privilege, accountability, and historical associations.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a direct response to Rep. Subramanyam’s remarks as of Thursday morning. The Palace has historically maintained that Prince Andrew has “stepped back from public duties” and that the settlement with Ms. Giuffre was made without admission of liability. Senior royal aides have repeatedly stated that the Duke regrets his association with Epstein and has cooperated with U.S. authorities when requested.
The controversy has been reignited in recent months by:
- Newly unsealed court documents from Epstein-related lawsuits containing further mentions of Prince Andrew
- Continued media interest in the so-called “black book” and flight logs
- Public statements from Epstein victims and their legal representatives calling for more transparency from high-profile figures linked to the financier
Rep. Subramanyam’s intervention marks one of the more direct criticisms of the Royal Family’s handling of the matter by a sitting U.S. lawmaker. While U.S. politicians have occasionally commented on royal affairs—often in the context of diplomatic or cultural ties—such pointed remarks about institutional reputation and accountability remain relatively rare.
The comments have already sparked debate on both sides of the Atlantic. Some British commentators have dismissed the remarks as unwarranted foreign interference in the internal affairs of the monarchy, while others argue that the international nature of Epstein’s crimes justifies external scrutiny. In the United States, the statement has been welcomed by advocacy groups focused on survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
As the 2026 calendar progresses, the Royal Family continues to navigate a series of reputational and operational challenges, from health-related absences of senior members to evolving public expectations around transparency and accountability. Whether Rep. Subramanyam’s warning prompts any shift in the Palace’s approach to the Epstein legacy remains to be seen.
For now, the Duke of York maintains a low public profile, while the broader institution continues to emphasise its commitment to public service, charity, and constitutional duty amid ongoing global interest in its past associations.
