PRINCE Andrews daughter Beatrice played a key role in persuading him to do the Newsnight interview after being convinced there was no other option, it was reported.
The Duke of York’s car-crash interview was widely criticised for his unsympathetic tone and lack of remorse for the friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duchess of York was reportedly keen for him to clear the air about his friendship with the disgraced tycoon, ahead of 31-year-old Beatrice’s wedding to property developer Edo Mapelli Mozzi next year.
Both Beatrice and her Eugenie, 29, are reportedly deeply distressed after their under-fire father was forced to quit his royal duties after the interview.
Disgraced tycoon Epstein took his own life in August while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The Duchess wasnt present at meetings with the Newsnight team but Beatrice was present along with Andrew’s then-private secretary Amanda Thirsk, the Mail on Sunday reports.
Andrew and Beatrice met presenter Emily Maitlis and Newsnights deputy editor, Stewart Maclean, at Buckingham Palace three days before filming to discuss the scope of the interview.
Beatrice was initially thought to be sceptical about the interview but was won over by the Newsnight team and Amanda Thirsk there was no choice but to go ahead.
“Sarah was abroad so Beatrice sat in on the discussions,” said a Royal insider.
“Initially, Beatrice was sceptical that a television interview, which would inevitably delve into her father’s private life, was such a good idea.
“She was asking lots of pertinent questions and had her doubts.
“But by the end of the meeting she was convinced by the Newsnight team and Amanda Thirsk that they had no choice that it was the only way to put all the rumours behind them.
“It was clear that Fergie was always there in the background.”
In the wake of the disastrous interview, however, she is said to be mortified about her role.
Andrew has stepped down from Royal duties for the “foreseeable future” after facing mounting pressure over claims he bedded a 17-year-old and for his friendship with Epstein.
He was ditched by a string of charities and Amanda Thirsk, will take over his role as chief executive at Pitch@Palace – the duke’s Dragon’s Den inspired scheme for entrepreneurs.
He has also pledged to co-operate with authorities investigating Epstein, opening him up to serious criminal risk.
Prince Andrewwill no longer receive his 249,000 Sovereign Grant allowancebecause that funds expenses for his official duties, such as travel.
But he will receive his income from the Queens private funds.
Andrew has also been forced to move his office from Buckingham Palace, just days after he was sacked from Royal duties.
An unnamed source told The Daily Beast that Beatrice and Eugenie are understood to be deeply distressed about their dad, who resigned after the fall-out over his association with Epstein.
Insiders say the loyal duchesses have backed Andrew and promised to “keep calm and carry on”.
The princesses – who are not working royals and have days jobs – have been “extremely resolute” in supporting their dad, according to The Mirror.
A friend of Beatrice and Eugenie said: They have their passions and causes which they successfully manage, but are two ambitious women who can stand on their own.
Its been very much a case of keep calm and carry on for them both.”
A source has also said that the their mum will be concerned about how his resignation impacts their childrens future.
A royal source said: The Queenwas privately very disappointed with Prince Andrew, despite the public efforts to rally round.
Its wrong to think that she just accepted his version of events, that the interview had gone well and there was nothing to worry about.
She saw the fallout and was very unhappy. She has spent her whole life protecting the monarchy and in just one week her sons actions threatened to tear it apart.
The Queen returns to Windsor Castle from Buckingham Palace after Prince Andrew visited her this morning
