PRINCE Andrew returned to royal life yesterday – as he “shut the door” on co-operating with the Jeffrey Epstein pedophile probe.
The under-fire Duke of York , , attended a memorial service for a senior courtier with her Majesty’s blessing while she was at Westminster Abbey.
Prince Andrew attended aa memorial service at St Georges Chapel Windsor while all the other Royals attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey (Credit: Doug Seeburg – The Sun
His comeback will shock many – and the fact it came when the Queen was at the Commonwealth Day Service will fuel suspicion that he was being “sneaked back” into royal life.
Pals say he is on a high after hiring new lawyers to defend his name in the US.
One said: “He was dipping his toe in the water by going to the service but plans to go to more engagements soon. He’s innocent. He doesn’t see why he shouldn’t return to royal duties. He still has a lot to offer. ”
Buckingham Palace said Andrew went to the memorial for Sir Malcolm Ross at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in a “personal” capacity. Sir Malcolm died last October, aged .
Andrew stepped down from public life last year after failing to show sympathy for (Epstein’s victims in a Newsnight interview. Epstein killed himself in prison.
The duke denies having had sex with Epstein “sex slave” (Virginia Roberts) when she was .
US lawyers claim he has dodged authorities investigating Epstein’s vice web. Andrew’s friends claim he is willing to talk to the FBI and “has nothing to hide”.
The Queen and the rest of the Royal family were at the Commonwealth Day Service Credit: AP: Associated Press
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He attended the memorial in a ‘personal’ capacity Credit: © Doug Seeburg
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But US attorney Geoffrey Berman, who leads the probe into Epstein’s accomplices, claimed the duke had “completely shut the door on voluntary co-operation”.
Jack Scarola, a lawyer representing Ms Roberts, said the pressure would be kept on Andrew to ensure he provides “sworn testimony”.
Clare Montgomery QC, Andrew’s new barrister, declined to comment.
US attorney Geoffrey Berman says Prince Andrew has ‘shut the door’ on co-operating with Jeffrey Epstein probe
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