For the first time since Jeffrey Epstein’s death, Prince Andrew is speaking out about his former friend and associate. A statement from Buckingham Palace released states the Duke of York is “appalled” by the alleged crimes.
“The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged crimes,” the statement reads. “His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent.”
The rare statement comes after a 2010 video of the Queen’s son inside Epstein’s New York City home was published by the Daily Mail. In the footage, the Duke of York can be seen waving to a woman from the door.
In 2010, Epstein had already been convinced of sex offences and had served 13 months in county jail after pleading guilty to two prostitution-related charges.
This is the second comment issued by the royal family regarding Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein in less than a week. Just one day before Epstein was found dead by apparent suicide, a number of legal documents relating to his criminal case were unsealed, one of which included allegations about Prince Andrew.
When asked about the allegations by NBC News, Buckingham Palace gave the following statement: “This relates to proceedings in the United States, to which The Duke of York is not a party. Any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue.”
Last weekend, Prince Andrew was photographed travelling to church with his mother the Queen. The public appearance was interpreted by some as a symbol of the British monarch’s support for her second son in the face of controversy.
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