Epstein link keeps Andrew in the shadows

THE DUKE of York’s hopes of returning to public life have reportedly been dashed despite efforts to rebuild his image after the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Prince Andrew quit official duties in November after his disastrous

BBC Newsnight interview, in which he defended his friendship with the paedophile financier.

In a statement, he said he was stepping back from public life “for the foreseeable future”, admitting: “The circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work.”

The prince, 60, hoped his status change would be temporary.

But at the weekend, it was reported that the royal family has “no plans to review” his position.

The Sunday Times said the Queen is believed to be resigned to her second son’s permanent removal from public life.

Royal sources allegedly described the Duke of York as a “busted flush” and said his presence is seen as “toxic”.

He hired Mark Gallagher, a PR specialist and crisis management expert, to help clear his name and rehabilitate his image.

Recent appearances in public included delivering gift bags to Thames Hospice, Windsor, in April with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

One of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, continues to claim she was made to sleep with the prince on three occasions when she was 17. Andrew has consistently said the allegations are untrue. Buckingham Palace said nothing had changed since his November statement.