It has been claimed that the Queen summoned the Duke of York to Buckingham Palace to strip him all his royal duties including his £259,000 a year salary.
Prince Andrew announced on Wednesday evening he will be stepping back immediately from public life. The Duke has been plagued by many questions from US lawyers, the US authorities and the world’s media over his friendship with the former disgraced banker Jeffrey Epstein.
According to friend of Prince Andrew speaking to the Sun newspaper they said, “It was a devastating moment for both of them. His reputation is in tatters.”
In a statement the Duke of York said, “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 organisations and charities that I am proud to support.
“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.
“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.”
Leave a Comment