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The Yorks

Prince Andrew speaks out regarding recent media reports

The Duke of York has spoken out for the first time since pictures were published in the Mail on Sunday showing the 59-yer-old visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s Manhattan mansion back in 2010.

In a statement published in the Daily Telegraph, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged crimes.

“His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent.”

The new pictures published in the Mail on Sunday were taken in 2010, this was after the billionaire had served an 18-month prison sentence for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

The statement released on Sunday is just one of many Buckingham Palace has been forced to publish following the Duke’s former friendship with Epstein.

In 2011 the Duke apologised for his friendship and was forced to step down as the UK special representative for trade and investment.

Epstein was facing federal sex trafficking charges in New York, however, news emerged of his death on Saturday morning.

The disgraced financier killed himself in his Manhattan cell just a few hours after the new court documents were opened.