Duke ‘angry and bewildered’ at US claim over ‘zero cooperation’
THE DUKE of York is reported to be “angry and bewildered” at a claim by US authorities that he has provided “zero cooperation” over the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking inquiry.
A source close to Andrew said the royal is “happy to talk” to the FBI but has not been approached by them.
It comes after US lawyer Geoffrey Berman said in New York on Monday that the duke had not cooperated, claiming his lawyers had been contacted by prosecutors and the FBI as part of the probe. Buckingham Palace did not comment, but it was understood the matter was dealt with by Andrew’s legal team.
But a source said: “The duke is more than happy to talk to the FBI but he hasn’t been approached by them yet. He is angry about the way this is being portrayed and bewildered as to why this was said in New York.”
Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by Epstein, said in an interview with BBC Panorama that she was left “horrified and ashamed” after an alleged sexual encounter with Andrew in London in 2001.
Andrew denies he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre.
He stepped down from Royal duties in November following a disastrous Newsnight interview in the wake of the scandal.
At the time, he said: “I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency.”
Following the interview, he was accused of failing to show regret over his friendship with the disgraced financier, who took his own life in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
Mr Berman, who is overseeing the investigation, told reporters outside Epstein’s New York mansion that “to date, Prince Andrew has provided zero co-operation”.
US lawyer Lisa Bloom, who represents five of Epstein’s alleged victims, said lawyer Mr Berman had been left with “no choice” but to comment because he did not have the power to subpoena the Royal.