In 2010, Epstein had already been convinced of sex offences and had served 13 months in county jail after pleading guilty to two prostitution-related charges.
This is the second comment issued by the royal family regarding Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein in less than a week. Just one day before Epstein was found dead by apparent suicide, a number of legal documents relating to his criminal case were unsealed, one of which included allegations about Prince Andrew.
When asked about the allegations by NBC News, Buckingham Palace gave the following statement: “This relates to proceedings in the United States, to which The Duke of York is not a party. Any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue.”
Last weekend, Prince Andrew was photographed travelling to church with his mother the Queen. The public appearance was interpreted by some as a symbol of the British monarch's support for her second son in the face of controversy.