Duke steps down from university role
ROYAL: The Duke of York is stepping down from his role as Chancellor of Huddersfield University. It follows his decision to withdraw from public duties over his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The university said: “HRH The Duke of York has announced he is stepping back from Royal duties for a period of time.”
THE DUKE of York is stepping down from his role as Chancellor of Huddersfield University, as more organisations cut their ties with the controversial royal.
It follows his decision to withdraw from public duties over his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement the university said: “HRH The Duke of York has announced he is stepping back from Royal duties for a period of time.
“Due to the circumstances and in discussion with the University, he has decided to step down immediately to allow the University to appoint a successor.”
The university had come under pressure for the Duke of York to be replaced as its Chancellor, with members of the students’ union passing a motion calling on him to resign.
Huddersfield University Students’ Union said in response: “We know that students will welcome this decision, and the Students’ Union would like to offer our sympathy to the victims of Epstein and all those affected by sexual abuse across the world.”
Pressure had been mounting on the duke in the wake of his socalled ‘car crash’ Newsnight interview on Saturday, with a growing number of multimillion-pound businesses, universities and charities distancing themselves from him and Pitch@Palace.
He faced criticism for showing a lack of empathy towards Epstein’s victims and a lack of remorse over his friendship with the financier, who took his own life while in prison earlier this year awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters on a visit to Bedfordshire: “All I can say is that it is very important that all the victims of Jeffrey Epstein get justice and the law must be done and must be seen to be done.”
Meanwhile, a US lawyer representing some of Epstein’s alleged victims has raised the possibility of questioning the duke under oath over his relationship with Epstein.
Discussing how Andrew could become involved in any legal process, Lisa Bloom said that, as an attorney, she had “the right” to seek a statement from individuals she deemed to have “relevant information”.
The duke is to continue working on his flagship project Pitch@ Palace but will do so privately without the support of Buckingham Palace, it emerged.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman yesterday said: “He will continue to work on Pitch but will look at how to do that outside and entirely separate from the palace.”
It is thought the duke will not have any involvement with the dozens of charities, organisations and military units he is associated with.
Graham Smith, of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, called the move “more smoke and mirrors”.
“Prince Andrew’s decision to step back is more smoke and mirrors to protect the image of the monarchy,” Mr Smith said.
“Several years ago Andrew was stripped of his trade ambassador title, but then continued to fly around the world representing this country. The Palace needs to clarify exactly what they mean by him stepping back and explain why he isn’t stepping down. Otherwise, this just looks like more spin to cover royal backs than real accountability.”
In his statement, Andrew said he was “willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency”.
Meanwhile, the Outward Bound Trust has announced Andrew has resigned as the organisation’s patron.
I take him at his word that he says he is going to co-operate.
Lisa Bloom, US lawyer representing Jeffrey Epstein victims, on the Duke of York.