Queen Elizabeth ‘Ruthlessly’ Removed Prince Andrew From Royal Family After Scandalous Epstein Interview

Prince Andrew received a wave of criticism following his BBC Newsnight interview. During his conversation with Emily Maitlis, the Duke of York discussed his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Although insiders previously claimed Andrew thought the interview went well, royal aides scrambled to save the royal family from the PR nightmare.

As a result of the scandalous interview, Prince Andrew announced he would be “stepping away” from his royal duties. Royal historian Robert Lacey told People that the 58-year-old has himself to blame for the royal family’s decision to distance themselves from the disgraced duke.

“His entire public existence has been wiped out by his own behavior,” Lacey said.

“The Crown: The Official Companion Vol. II” author suggested that the monarchy was a business and couldn’t consider family over preservation. Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, and other senior royals reportedly met to discuss Prince Andrew’s future.

The group eventually decided to pull the Duke of York out of the public eye. Lacey claimed the decision about Andrew’s future “shows that the royals can move very swiftly and very ruthlessly.”

Prince Andrew announced his plans to step away from his royal duties on Wednesday. “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 organizations and charities that I am proud to support,” he said in the statement.

“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.”

Prince Andrew’s office is expected to move out of Buckingham Palace and focus on projects outside of his royal duties.