Prince Andrew ends racecourse role in fallout from Epstein links

PRINCE ANDREW is stepping back as patron of York Racecourse along with more than 230 other associations as the fallout from his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and his subsequent Newsnight interview, continues to grow.

The Duke of York, inset, has been a regular visitor to race meetings on the Knavesmire since he took up the largely ceremonial role in the summer of 2015. The venue’s first patron, he was present in July to mark the 60th running of the John Smith’s Cup. It is understood that the racecourse directors were due to discuss the matter at their next board meeting on December 10 but that Buckingham Palace has pre-empted any decision that they may have taken. Andrew has also been patron of the York Minster Appeal, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Business Conference and Yorkshire Society.

The Duke has been criticised for what was seen by many as a lack of remorse over his friendship with Epstein, who took his own life in prison earlier this year while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

Andrew also faces the prospect of Virginia Giuffre – an alleged Epstein victim who claims she had under-age sex with the duke, which he strenuously denies – being interviewed on BBC’s Panorama programme early in December. A spokeswoman said: “The Duke has over 230 patronages. He will be stepping back from public duty and temporarily standing back from all his patronages. The Duke will continue to work on [flagship business programme] Pitch and will look at how he takes this forward outside of his public duties, and outside of Buckingham Palace. We recognise there will be a period of time while this transition takes place.”

The Queen has reportedly cancelled a party she was to host for Andrew’s 60th birthday next year.