Prince Andrew has explained his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in his first statement over the scandal saying he did not “see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction”.
Following on from a brief statement from Buckingham Palace earlier this week, Prince Andrew has made his first comments on the matter since the suicide, saying he “would not condone, participate in, or encourage any such behaviour”.
He said in full:
It is apparent to me since the suicide of Mr Epstein that there has been an immense amount of media speculation about so much in his life. This is particularly the case in relation to my former association or friendship with Mr Epstein.
Therefore I am eager to clarify the facts to avoid further speculation.
At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction.”
I have said previously that it was a mistake and an error to see him after his release in 2010 and I can only reiterate my regret that I was mistaken to think that what I thought I knew of him was evidently not the real person, given what we now know. I have tremendous sympathy for all those affected by his actions and behaviour.”
His suicide has left many unanswered questions and I acknowledge and sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.
This is a difficult time for everyone involved and I am at a loss to be able to understand or explain Mr Epstein’s lifestyle. I deplore the exploitation of any human being and would not condone, participate in, or encourage any such behaviour.
A previous Buckingham Palace statement said:
The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged crimes. His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent.”
However our lead correspondent David Clews has uncovered that Prince Andrew may have been meeting Jeffrey Epstein as late as 2013 and you can read this in full by clicking below now:
New accusations against Prince Andrew emerge as Epstein scandal continues
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