Prince Andrew accused of ‘providing zero co-operation’ in Jeffrey Epstein inquiry
PRINCE ANDREW has been accused of providing "zero co-operation" in the current Jeffrey Epstein inquiry.
Prince Andrew uncooperative with inquiry says prosecutor
According to a US prosecutor, officials had contacted the Prince's lawyers and asked to interview him. Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Geoffrey Berman said the royal has so far made no contact with US officials involved in the case.
Mr Berman said: “To date, Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation.”
Buckingham Palace has not commented on the news, although a royal source has said: "This issue is being dealt with by the Duke of York's legal team."
Following his BBC interview, Andrew did state he would be willing to cooperate with officials.
At the time, the Duke of York said he was stepping down for the “foreseeable future”.
Andrew also offered to cooperate with officials in their investigations as he stated he would “help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations if required".
In a statement, he 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.
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"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.”
Following the interview with the BBC, the Duke lost a number of patronages and charities associated with him such as BT and Barclays.
The decision to step back from royal life was made after discussions with senior members of the Royal Family.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
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Epstein died last August in a US prison while awaiting trial.
Although Mr Berman did not add any details about the case he admitted the case was “moving forward”.
In the wake of his interview with the BBC, Andrew had been accused of lacking any sympathy for the victims of Epstein.
He was also criticised for the absence of regret over his friendship with the tycoon.
Although he has stepped down, it has not been stated when or if he will return to royal duties.