Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, gave an interview to air his side regarding the allegations that implicated him in the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal. While he spoke about disappointing the royal family and the country, a royal expert said that he didn't seem convincing at all.
Royal correspondent Claudia Joseph said in a televised Sky News interview what Prince Andrew did appear to speak from the heart and was "very genuine." He finally opened up and spoke about the scandal that plagued him and the royal family for months.
However, Joseph said that despite Prince Andrew's demeanor, she still was not convinced that the duke was apologetic about letting the British people down. Joseph said that he might be sorry about upsetting his family, but there were instances in the interview where he seemed to trivialize the issue.
Prince Andrew sat down with BBC journalist Emily Maitlis to clarify his connection and friendship with Epstein. He also set the record straight on the accusations that he was also part of the group of men who had sex with underage women at the billionaire's parties.
One of the accusers, Virginia Roberts, revealed that she was only 17 when she met and had sexual relations with Queen Elizabeth's son. However, Prince Andrew denied ever remembering meeting his accuser.
Earlier, Buckingham Palace issued an official statement of support for Prince Andrew. It cited that suggestions of impropriety from the Duke of York were "categorically untrue."
Meanwhile, according to Daily Mail, Prince Andrew regretted that he failed to express sympathy in public for the victims of his friend. Sources close to the royal said that Prince Andrew is remorseful of his friendship with a sexual offender and that he condemns the exploitations done to many of Epstein's vulnerable victims.
In light of this, Prince Andrew was seen with the Queen heading to church the day after his BBC interview. Reports cited that he proclaimed to his mom that he accomplished his mission and that he hoped the criticisms will now be silent.
Officials at the royal palace said that Prince Andrew would continue his public work despite advice that the eighth in line to the throne must stay away from the limelight for a few months as his presence could affect the charities he supports. Sources also said that some senior royals think the Duke of York should not have done the interview in the first place.
