US President Donald Trump has expressed his sympathy for the British monarchy as it tries to douse the scandal surrounding the former Prince Andrew’s ties to the late s£x offender Jeffrey Epstein.
It comes as reports claim that Andrew “refused to sign off” on royal statements that supported the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex abuse.
A source close to the King and Queen said the former prince would veto references to abuse victims in all statements since his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, blocking the Palace from acknowledging them, according to The Times.
But in the King’s latest statement, in which he stripped Andrew of his royal titles, he made clear his support for survivors in the line: “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
When questioned about the King’s decision to remove Andrew’s prince title, the US president said: “It’s a terrible thing that’s happened to the (royal) family.”
“That’s been a tragic situation, and it’s too bad. I mean, I feel badly for the family,” Trump said.
His comments came as Democrats investigating Epstein intensified their calls for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, as he is now known, to voluntarily testify before Congress about his links with the disgraced financier.
New emails emerged last week showing Andrew suggested a “catch up” just months after Epstein was released from prison.
On Thursday, the King took the dramatic decision to officially remove Andrew’s Prince and Duke of York titles and HRH style, following pressure over his ties with Epstein.
Andrew is set to receive a six-figure payment, which will be privately funded by the King, once he vacates Royal Lodge.
He will also be given an ongoing annual stipend, which will be worth several times the value of his £20,000-a-year Navy pension, according to The Guardian.
The newspaper claims that “relocation settlement” is intended to cover his move from Windsor to Sandringham, and the regular payments are designed to prevent him from “overspending in his new life as a commoner”.
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