Prince Andrew has denied he ever witnessed sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal behavior in the “limited time” they spent together.
Andrew has come under new scrutiny for his friendship with Epstein after the financier killed himself three weeks ago in a New York City lockupwhere he was being held on sex trafficking charges involving young girls.
The 59-year-old Duke of York said in a statement Saturday that he met Epstein 10 years ago and saw him infrequently, probably no more than once or twice a year, Sky News reported.
But Andrew acknowledged being Epstein’s houseguest “in a number of his residences,” according to the news outlet.
“At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behavior of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction,” Andrew said in a statement.
Epstein avoided federal charges after pleading guilty in 2008 to in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor. He served nights in prison over a 13-month period as part of the sweetheart deal.
Andrew said it was a “mistake and an error” to see Epstein after his release in 2010.
He also said he had “tremendous sympathy for all those affected by Epstein’s behavior.
“His suicide has left many unanswered questions and I acknowledge and sympathize with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure,” Andrew continued.