Prince Andrew: I let the side down by staying with Jeffrey Epstein

Jacob Jarvis16 November 2019

Prince Andrew has said he "let the side down" by staying with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke of York has spoken to the BBC about accusations against him and his relationship with Epstein, who killed himself aged 66 in a New York jail cell in August.

Andrew was photographed in Central Park with Epstein, following the latter's conviction for prostituting minors.

Images emerged later of him inside Epstein's Manhattan mansion in December of 2010.

Epstein was found dead in a New York jail cell
AP

When asked about spending time with Epstein following his conviction, Andrew told Newsnight: "I stayed with him and that’s…that’s…that’s the bit that…that…that, as it were, I kick myself for on a daily basis because it was not something that was becoming of a member of the royal family and we try and uphold the highest standards and practices and I let the side down, simple as that."

Prince Andrew has denied accusations made against him
Getty Images

The interview also came after the 59-year-old royal faced accusations by American Virginia Giuffre, formerly Roberts, that he had sex with her when she was 17-years-old.

Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied the accusations, which were struck out by a US court.

Addressing this he said: "I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever."

Emily Maitlis sits down with Prince Andrew for an interview on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
BBC/ Mark Harrington

Prince Andrew has said he did not "see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction".

Questions about his relationship with Epstein resurfaced after the financier was accused of child sex trafficking offences in the US.

Sarah, Duchess of York, has hailed her "stoically steadfast" ex-husband, the Duke of York, ahead of the interview due to be aired on Saturday.

Writing on Twitter on Friday night, Sarah said: "It is so rare to meet people that are able to speak from their hearts with honesty and pure real truth, that remain steadfast and strong to their beliefs.

"Andrew is a true and real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty, but also his kindness and goodness."

She posted the message alongside four pictures of her former husband, and father to her two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

The pair were married for 10 years between 1986 and 1996.

The full interview will air on Prince Andrew & The Epstein Scandal: The Newsnight Interview will air on BBC Two at 9pm on November 16.

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