Prince Andrew had filed a civil suit against him over claims by Jeffrey Epstein prosecutor Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre alleged that the Duke of York sexually assaulted her three times when she was 17, allegations Andrew has strenuously denied. At the latest Royal Round-Up, the Daily Express’s Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer discussed how palace officials have labeled Andrew “insane” over the public’s reaction and because he thinks he can get back to normal royal life.
Speaking of Prince Andrew, host Pandora Forsyth asked Palmer, “Do you think he’s a bit delusional if he thinks he’ll return to the same popularity he once had.”
Mr Palmer replied: “I have spoken to people in royal circles, better not say more than that, who … [are] really pull their hair out with him.
†[This is] because, you know, they say he’s delusional about the public’s reaction to him.
“No one underestimates the shock and disgust of the public, his involvement in the Epstein scandal, more than Prince Andrew.”
READ MORE: Hardest Working Royal Couple! William and Kate are blown away as surprising duo takes the crown
He added: “He really understood how people feel, whether he has been found not guilty of a criminal offence, has not been charged with a criminal offence, he would not constantly think about getting anyone to come back.”
Mr Palmer continued: “It’s very hard because he’s what, he’s sixty-two.
“Maybe I have 40 years to live.
“He needs to do something with his life and the question is, what could he do?
READ MORE: Meghan Markle Leaves ‘Any Pretension Of Royal Neutrality’ With Comments In New Interview
He pleaded not guilty and was later found dead in his prison cell, the death later ruled a suicide.
Prince Andrew, a friend of the late Epstein, sat down in 2019 for an interview with Emily Maitlis. In this interview, the Duke said he did not regret his friendship with Epstein.
The interview was heavily criticized by the public and after that the duke voluntarily relinquished his royal duties.
In February 2022, it was confirmed that Prince Andrew had agreed to pay a settlement fee to complete the civil assault case of his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.
READ NEXT: