Prince Andrew has announced that he will “step back from public duties for the foreseeable future” following his explosive interview about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
“It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support,” the Duke of York said in a statement after the interview.
“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission," he said, referring to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Andrew, 59, also said he would help law enforcement investigate Epstein, whom he met in the 1990s.
“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," he added. "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.”
The Duke of York most recently saw Epstein back in December of 2010, when he decided to stay at his home in New York, despite the fact that Epstein had recently gotten out of prison procuring a minor for prostitution, according to People. Andrew said he chose Epstein's spot because it was “a convenient place to stay.”
The disgraced financier was found dead in jail while awaiting trial on federal child sex trafficking charges back in August.
