Prince Andrew feels he’s ‘untouchable’ from Jeffrey Epstein probe a year on from BBC interview, victims’ lawyer says

0
158

PRINCE Andrew feels like he’s “untouchable” over his links to Jeffrey Epstein a year on from his disastrous Newsnight interview, it’s claimed.

Lisa Bloom, who represents six of Epstein’s victims, alleged the Queen’s second son will continue to avoid talking to authorities in the US “because he can”.

An American lawyer representing six of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims says Prince Andrew feels he is ‘untouchable’ a year after his BBC Newsnight interview
Lisa Bloom says the women abused by paedophile Epstein are ‘crying out for justice’

Prince Andrew vehemently denies any wrong-doing over his friendship with Epstein

The Duke of York stepped back from Royal duties after last year’s car-crash BBC interview over his links the paedophile financier.

Despite saying he was “willing to help” any law enforcement authority during the interview, he has so far not spoken with authorities in America, although prosecutors in the country have repeatedly urged him to.

The prince has been accused by one of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, of having sex with her when she was just 17.

The allegation has been vehemently denied by the royal, who says he can’t even recall meeting her – although a photo shows them together.

And Ms Bloom, who appeared on Lorraine this morning, said Epstein’s victims are “crying out for justice”.

Asked by Lorraine how “vital” it is that the prince does eventually talk to authorities, the lawyer said: “He said he would a year ago, and so far that promise has not been kept.

“You have to wonder why he made that statement – an official statement -that he would cooperate with authorities if requested. 

“He has been requested and, as far as we know, he has not.

Ms Bloom alleged the prince is ‘hiding’ in an interview with Lorraine Kelly this morning

It’s claimed the royal has been meeting his mother under cover of darkness as he plans a return to public duties – but palace sources say it’s out of the question

Virginia Giuffre alleges the prince had sex with her when she was 17

“I represent six victims of Jeffrey Epstein, and they are crying out for justice, not only against Epstein, who is now deceased, but against anyone who was associated with him.

“It’s time for Prince Andrew to cooperate with authorities.”

Lorraine then asked Ms Bloom if it’s “partly that he’s got his head in the sand, or perhaps because he’s royal, and feels in some way untouchable”.

Ms Bloom replied: “I think it’s both of those things, and I think frankly he’s hiding because he can.

“He can get away with it. Are our two countries going to have a diplomatic conflict over Prince Andrew? Probably not.

“As long as he just refuses to do what he said he would do, I suppose he’s going to get away with that.”

Last week, Epstein’s victims said they wanted president-elect Joe Biden to pursue the royal “aggressively” to force him to cooperate with the probe.

Ms Bloom said: “I have great faith in vice president-elect Kamala Harris who is a former prosecutor.

“She is tough as nails on behalf of victims of sexual assault, and so perhaps she will get tough and stand up for victims and insist Prince Andrew answer questions.”

It was also reported last week that the prince’s hopes of returning to the royal frontline have been crushed – even if he does speak to the authorities.

The Duke faces a future in the wilderness, no matter what course of action he chooses to take, it’s claimed.

In recent weeks he’s been visiting his mother under cover of darkness as he plots a return to public duty.

The scandal-hit prince is said to be confident he will be cleared of any wrongdoing and is arranging a comeback.

But sources now say that, even if he speaks to US officials, this is unlikely.

“This is as much about judgment shown over the issue, as the allegations themselves,” one source said.

“Even if the duke were to resolve matters satisfactorily over [Epstein], there is still an issue about [his] lack of understanding over the seriousness of the situation and not accepting that the relationship was wrong.

“I’m not sure there will ever be an opportunity for him to return.”

A royal insider said: “The reality is that there is no negotiation of a new role, and there never will be, as there could never be a version of representation that could work.”

Sun Online has contacted representatives for Prince Andrew for comment.