Prince Andrew is set to officially take a step back from “royal duties” for the foreseeable future – after he was slammed for his appearance on BBC’s Newsnight.
Queen Elizabeth’s son had appeared on the show to answer questions about his highly-controversial friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
But many dubbed the interview as a “car crash” as the Prince gave explanations for his whereabouts on the night he was accused of having sex with a minor and admitted he didn’t’ regret his friendship with his dead pal.
The Queen has now “given permission” for Prince Andrew to “step back from public duties for the foreseeable future.”
However sources have told The Daily Telegraph that the Queen, in fact, “ordered” Prince Andrew to remove himself from public duties.
The Duke of York also said he was “willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations if required” into accusations against Epstein.
“I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission,” the Prince said in a statement.
He added: “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.
“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.”
