Duke scraps trip to Bahrain as the furore over Epstein goes on

THE DUKE of York has reportedly cancelled a trip to Bahrain as the fallout over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein continues.

Andrew, inset, was expected to travel to the Middle East this weekend as part of his Pitch@Palace project for technical entrepreneurs but cancelled plans following pressure from his family.

It has also been reported that his private secretary, Amanda Thirsk, has been removed from her palace-funded role and will instead become the chief executive of the project.

The Daily Mail said Ms Thirsk – believed to have been the driving force behind Andrew’s catastrophic Newsnight interview

– will now run the business-mentorship scheme after she was dismissed on Thursday.

Ms Thirsk will also manage the Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, after the duke quit his role as a working royal on Wednesday.

It has also been reported that Buckingham Palace was disturbed by the mention of Andrew’s relationship with Epstein in the ITV election debate on Tuesday.

Yesterday, during his weeklong trip to New Zealand, the

Prince of Wales ignored a question from a reporter about whether the duke should speak to US investigators.

Despite stepping back from public life, Andrew will be continuing with Pitch@Palace “outside and entirely separate from the palace”, Buckingham Palace said.

The Outward Bound Trust, which Andrew has supported for decades, accepted his resignation as patron and Huddersfield University confirmed he would be relinquishing his role as chancellor.