Prince Andrew Announces He’s Quitting Royal Duties
In an interesting turn of events, Prince Andrew released a statement this week saying that he will be quitting his royal duties following his bombshell interview with the BBC about his ties to 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 organizations and charities that I am proud to support,” he said in the statement.
“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 continued, “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 sympathize 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.”
In the BBC interview, the Queen’s second son has been widely criticized for his decision to stay with Jeffrey at his home in December 2010.
He also said in the interview that he had “no recollection of ever meeting” Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a woman who claims she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times between 1999 and 2002 when she was 17 years old.
Well perhaps a step back from the limelight might help people forget his ties to Jeffrey? Probably not, but here’s to hoping.