Prince Andrew seen for first since 'car crash' interview about Epstein allegations
21 November 2019, 11:08
The Duke of York has been spotted for the first time since he "stepped back" from royal duties following a disastrous interview over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Andrew, 59, last night announced would no longer be taking part in public duties for the "foreseeable future", in an unprecedented move for a royal in modern times.
This morning he was pictured smiling and waving to the cameras behind the wheel of his Bentley leaving the Royal Lodge in Berkshire.
In the aftermath of the Queen's second son announcing he would step down from public duties for the "foreseeable future", a US lawyer representing some of Epstein's alleged victims has raised the possibility of questioning the duke under oath over his relationship with Epstein.
Discussing how Andrew could become involved in any legal process, Lisa Bloom said that, as an attorney, she had "the right" to seek a statement from individuals she deemed to have "relevant information".
The royal said in a statement on Wednesday evening that he was "willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required".
Since his interview, a number of organisations have terminated of are reviewing their relationship with his Pitch@Palace tech entrepreneurs initiative, which the duke will continue working on without the support of Buckingham Palace.
Prince Andrew stepped down as Chancellor of Huddersfield University on Thursday after "discussions" around his role.
In a statement the university said: "HRH The Duke of York has announced he is stepping back from Royal duties for a period of time.
"Due to the circumstances and in discussion with the University, he has decided to step down immediately to allow the University to appoint a successor."
Barclays said it was concerned about the situation and was keeping its involvement with Pitch@Palace under review, while BT warned it would only continue to back the digital skills award programme, iDEA, if Andrew was dropped as patron.
Asian-focused bank Standard Chartered joined KPMG in deciding not to renew its sponsorship of Pitch@Palace.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said on Thursday: "He will continue to work on Pitch but will look at how to do that outside and entirely separate from the palace."
It is thought the duke will not have any involvement with the dozens of charities, organisations and military units he is associated with.
