This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
Prince Andrew has come under scrutiny for his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a financier accused of sex trafficking.
On August 24, 2019, the Duke of York released a statement to clarify the facts surrounding his friendship with Epstein.
According to Prince Andrew, he met Epstein in 1999 and saw him infrequently, likely no more than twice a year.
"During the time I knew him, I saw him infrequently and probably no more than only once or twice a year," Prince Andrew said.
"I have stayed in a number of his residences. 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."
"At no stage did I see or suspect any criminal behaviour," Prince Andrew said in a statement. Prince Andrew acknowledged that he had made a mistake by continuing to associate with Epstein after his release from prison in 2010. Epstein, 66, took his own life in a jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Prince Andrew expressed his sympathy for those affected by Epstein's actions, stating that his suicide has left many unanswered questions.
