Prince Andrew has provided “zero co-operation” with an FBI request for an interview about Jeffrey Epstein, a US prosecutor said today.
Speaking outside Epstein’s New York mansion, US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said prosecutors and the FBI had contacted the Duke of York's lawyers and asked to speak to him about the disgraced billionaire.
“To date, Prince Andrew has provided zero co-operation,” said Mr Berman.
Commenting on the investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking charges, he added: “Jeffrey Epstein couldn’t have done what he did without the assistance of others, and I can assure you that the investigation is moving forward.”
He confirmed the investigation is looking into possible “conspirators” of Epstein.
Epstein died in prison in August 2019, and his death was ruled to be a suicide.
Prince Andrew’s relationship with the convicted sex offender has come under renewed scrutiny since he gave an interview to the BBC discussing their friendship.
He was accused of lacking empathy for Epstein’s victims and of failing to show regret over his friendship with the convicted sex offender.
The Queen’s son was pressed by BBC journalist Emily Maitlis over why he stayed in Epstein’s US mansion - despite knowing he had been convicted of sex crimes.
Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who says she was trafficked by Epstein, has claimed she had several sexual encounters with Prince Andrew starting when she was 17. He denies the claims.
She said she danced with Andrew in Tramp nightclub, adding he was “the most hideous dancer I’ve ever seen in my life” and “his sweat was… raining basically everywhere”.
Virginia Giuffre says she was left “horrified and ashamed” after an alleged sexual encounter with Andrew in London in 2001.
Following a backlash to the BBC interview, the Prince withdrew from royal duties in November last year.
Speaking in November, a British QC warned that Prince Andrew could face arrest in the US if he travels there to speak to the FBI.
Baroness Helena Kennedy told the BBC: "I wouldn't be wanting to send him there because I would be very concerned that suddenly he might be arrested and not able to leave the US.
"I would be very anxious about that."
