Prince Andrew’s interview with the BBC this week was meant to smooth things over, but instead, it had the opposite effect. Andrew’s answers about his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein have become a PR disaster for the royal family. Now the Prince says he “will step back from public duties for the foreseeable future.” The Queen’s son says “I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein.” Here’s his full statement:
A statement by His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG. pic.twitter.com/solPHzEzzp
— The Duke of York (@TheDukeOfYork) November 20, 2019
The decision of a senior royal to step away from his royal duties is extremely unusual and reflects the degree to which charities and educational institutions had been questioning their associations with him in recent days.
Andrew, who showed no remorse in Saturday’s interview, said he regrets his association with the former U.S. billionaire investor and that he “deeply sympathizes” with Epstein’s many victims.
Prince Andrew is stepping back from royal duties for the “foreseeable future” following criticism over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Last week, Prince Andrew told @maitlis he "let the side down" by staying with Jeffrey Epstein#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/7nKdoJB66f
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) November 20, 2019
The BBC writes that while the 59-year-old faced heavy criticism following that interview, his announcement today still comes as a surprise.
BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said the move was “a big step” and was “pretty much without precedent in modern times”.
He said it showed a realisation that the interview had “upset a lot of people”, adding: “It was more than just bad publicity for Prince Andrew, it was clearly damaging the wider institution of the Royal Family.”
Prince Andrew still has not apologised for his part in Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. He has not apologised to Virginia Roberts for calling her a liar, or for the harm she suffered in court. He should resign his title. https://t.co/OoQPUHGouA
— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) November 20, 2019
Watch the full interview above.