Prince Andrew has sparked outrage after it was revealed that he was providing “zero cooperation” to the investigation behind the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The royal, who is known to have previously had close ties with the convicted sex offender, is reportedly not cooperating with the FBI in the ongoing investigation, with it being understood he has not responded to their interview requests.
Prince Andrew has reportedly provided “zero cooperation” to the investigation around Jeffrey Epstein.
(Getty)US lawyer Geoffrey Berman confirmed the feat to the New York Times, and Buckingham Palace reportedly didn’t make any comment on the matter.
The move is unexpected from the royal, who previously released a statement late last year saying he would cooperate with the investigation.
In November, Andrew confirmed he would step back from his royal duties for the forseeable future in the wake of the scandal.
It came after his disastrous interview with the BBC, which was met with high-level criticism.
“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,” he said at the time.
“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.”
He added: “Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”
The Prince formally stepped back from his royal duties in November 2019.
(Getty)However, it seems as though Andrew hasn’t lived up to his promise. A lawyer who is representing five of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers told the BBC that the victims were “outraged and disappointed at Prince Andrew’s behavior here”.
“If Prince Andrew truly has done nothing wrong then it’s incumbent upon him to go and speak to the FBI at a time that’s convenient for him and say what he knows. Perhaps he can help bring other people to justice.”
WATCH: Prince Andrew’s accuser Virginia Roberts speaks out about the royal. Story continues after video…
The lawyer also added that it was a “slap in the face” from Andrew to the victims.
“Why doesn’t he want to cooperate? I think that’s the question. What is it that he is trying to hide? What is he afraid of?” she told Sky News.
Earlier this month, Andrew was seen attending church with Queen Elizabeth – one of his first public appearances since stepping back.
The Queen and her 59-year-old son were all smiles as they left the Sunday service at Sandringham.
The move was an interesting one given the appearance came at the time where all eyes were on Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, who have just stepped back from their senior royal duties in order to live a financially independent life.
