Prince Andrew announced he will take an indefinite break from his royal role yesterday just days after he answered questions about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein on camera. While the BBC interview was designed to clear the air it backfired catastrophically and prompted benefactors to withdraw support from the Duke’s charitable ventures in their droves.
A day before the interview aired Sarah Ferguson tweeted a gushing message of support to her ex.
The tweet read: “It is so rare to meet people that are able to speak from their hearts with honesty+pure real truth, that remain steadfast and strong to their beliefs.
“Andrew is a true+real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty but also his kindness + goodness @TheDukeOfYork.”
The message was accompanied by four flattering pictures of the Duke at various royal events.
Fergie’s public outpouring prompted some to believe she had encouraged Andrew to sit down with Newsnight.
However, a source close to the Duchess has said she actively tried to discourage Andrew from doing it.
The source told the Telegraph: “Sarah never thought it was a good idea.
“She was very clear that if he was to do an interview, it should only be answering four questions for 15 minutes with a journalist she knew, preferably on American TV.
“She was adamant about this.”
The source added Fergie was away when the interview took place and it had already gone ahead when she returned to the UK.
They added: “But then she went away for two weeks and it went ahead when she wasn’t there.”
“She clearly believes that, had she been around, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
According to the source Fergie had a meeting with Prince Andrew and celebrity lawyer Paul Tweed to discuss if the Duke should publicly address his links to Epstein.
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Another confidante claimed Fergie was in favour of a smaller interview.
They told the Telegraph: “She was supportive of a very controlled interview, but not this – she was only informed of it as it was unfolding.”
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew remain very close despite divorcing in 1996.
The Duchess of York lives at Andrew’s royal residence with him and the pair often attend events together.
In a statement to confirm his withdrawal from royal life, Prince Andrew said: “It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.
“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.
“I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein.
“His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.”
Prince Andrew will reportedly have to vacate his Buckingham Palace office as he takes a step back from official duty.
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November 23, 2019 at 10:19PM
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