+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

Prince Andrew has reportedly been removed as the patron of 47 organizations over his links to Jeffrey Epstein

May 18, 2021, 16:22 IST
Insider
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends a commemoration marking the 100th anniversary since the start of the Battle of the Somme.Photo by Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images
  • 47 organizations have reportedly removed Prince Andrew as patron over his Jeffrey Epstein links.
  • According to The Telegraph, some felt that it was "no longer appropriate" to be associated with him.
  • The publication also reported that four charities chose not to sever ties with Andrew.
Advertisement

Prince Andrew has been removed as patron of 47 different charities and organizations due to his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report by The Telegraph.

According to the Royal UK website, patronages are public service roles for key members of the royal family that "add status to an organization, and visits and involvement from a Royal Patron can often bring much needed publicity."

Of the roughly 200 organizations Andrew is associated with, 47 told the publication they had severed ties with the Duke of York, with some citing concerns that it was "no longer appropriate," while many others declined to comment on the status of his patronage.

Among those who distanced themselves from the 61-year-old was the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, the Golf Foundation, the Children's Foundation, the Outward Bound Trust, and the British Science Association, according to the publication.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund told the publication: "We felt that as a children's charity it was not appropriate for him to remain patron."

Advertisement

Andrew stepped back from royal duties "for the foreseeable future" in November 2019 after giving a so-called "car crash" interview to BBC Newsnight's Emily Maitlis.

In the interview, he discussed his friendship with Epstein and denied the accusations made against him regarding relations with Virginia Roberts, who was 17-years-old at the time she alleges being "procured for sexual activities" by Ghislaine Maxwell.

Many organizations also told the Telegraph had not yet found a replacement for Andrew but some said they were seeking representatives "better suited" to their aims and values.

The Royal Royal Philharmonic Orchestra announced on their website in April that Prince Charles would become their new patron and, according to a report by People, the York Minster Fund quietly did the same in November 2020 without a formal announcement. Neither organization addressed their relationship with Andrew.

The report said that the British Science Association, the Council of British International Schools, and the Tall Ships Youth Trust had contacted Buckingham Palace to coordinate a new royal patron.

Advertisement

Those who confirmed that their professional relationship with the duke had continued, but that he cannot engage in any activity on their behalf, included the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, the Friends of the Staffordshire Regiment, Morayvia Aerospace Centre, and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, The Telegraph report added.

The Sunday Times' Roya Nikkhah previously reported that Andrew wished to return to his duties eventually to "serve his country" and "support the monarchy."

The report claimed that Andrew was "reframing" his role for a return to service in 2021, once the legal issues surrounding his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein are fully investigated by the FBI.

Andrew previously denied accusations from Geoff Berman, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who told reporters that he was not cooperating with the FBI and federal prosecutors.

Despite his personal desires, any return to a public role would require approval from the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, palace officials, and the UK government, the Sunday Times reported.

Advertisement

Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article