The Duke of York to “step back” from public duties following BBC Newsnight Interview backlash

The Duke of York at St. Anne's Cathedral in 2014. Image from Wikimedia Commons

November 20, 2019 - The Queen has given permission to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, to “step back from public duties for the foreseeable future” after enduring criticisms over his relationship with convicted sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association 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,” The Queen’s third child said in a statement.

The Duke regrets “his ill-judged association with Epstein” whose suicide has “left many unanswered questions” and the Duke expressed his sympathies for “everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.” The duke hopes that “they will be able to rebuild their lives.” He also emphasized that he is “willing to help any law enforcement agency with their investigations.”

The backlash came after the Duke gave his luckless BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis on Saturday, where he talked about his association with Epstein which caused a furious public backlash.

In the interview, the Duke cleared with Maitlis that he did not sleep Virginia Roberts. He was accused of sleeping with the American woman on three separate occasions, twice when he was underage.

The public reaction has heavily already severely affected his work and the Royal Family. The visit to the flood-hit towns of in South Yorkshire was already cancelled, while benefactors to Prince Andrew's Dragons' Den-inspired charity are reportedly thinking of cancelling their sponsorships. London Metropolitan University, MailOnline reports, will also review whether to keep Andrew as a patron at its next Board of Governors. 

Only the University of Huddersfield has vocally supported the Duke, but their stand has infuriated the students who are calling on the duke’s resignation as Chancellor.