Prince Andrew has said he is “willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations” over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, as it was announced he will “step back from public duties for the foreseeable future”.
In his first statement since Saturday’s
BBC Newsnight interview, which saw him widely condemned for a lack of sympathy to Epstein’s victims, the Duke of York said it “has become clear” he could no longer carry on with his royal duties.A statement by His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG. pic.twitter.com/LfMFwMyhcb— The
Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 20, 2019He added: “Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.”
“I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein. His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.
“I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”
This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Follow HuffPost
UK on Twitter here, and on Facebook here.Related... All The Organisations That Have Cut Links With Prince Andrew So Far – And Some That Haven't