Prince Andrew 'could lose armed police protection' after Jeffrey Epstein scandal

16 January 2020, 16:32

Prince Andrew could lose his round-the-clock armed police protection in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, according to new reports.

The Evening Standard reported that the Home Office is recommending a major downgrade of security for the disgraced Royal after a Scotland Yard review.

Andrew stepped down from royal duties in November following his disastrous Newsnight interview.

The car crash interview saw the prince accused of lacking empathy for convicted sex offender Epstein's victims and of failing to show regret over their friendship.

The Standard said the final decision over security arrangements lies with Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on security measures for individuals in the royal family."

Buckingham Palace said: "As a matter of course we do not comment on security or security arrangements."

Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by Epstein, gave an interview to BBC Panorama and said she was left "horrified and ashamed" after an alleged sexual encounter with Andrew in London in 2001.

She claimed she danced with Andrew in Tramp nightclub, adding he was "the most hideous dancer I've ever seen in my life" and "his sweat was ... raining basically everywhere".