BELLS RING OUT FOR PRINCE, DESPITE CONTROVERSY

The bells of London’s Westminster Abbey rang out for Prince Andrew’s 60th birthday on Wednesday even though he has stepped down from public life following a backlash about his friendship with convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The birthdays of senior members of the British Royal Family are celebrated with bell ringing at the Abbey.

Andrew, Queen Elizabeth’s second son, stopped carrying out royal duties last year after an interview about his friendship with the late financier Epstein, who was found dead in prison last year while awaiting charges of trafficking minors. There was a public outcry after the interview, where he failed to explain why he didn’t cut off ties with Epstein, or express much empathy with the alleged victims.