First major sponsor abandons Prince Andrew after Epstein interview – but Queen still backs him
THE first major sponsor has abandoned Prince Andrew after his 'car crash' Jeffrey Epstein interview - but the Queen is still supporting her son.
KPMG has decided against renewing its sponsorship of the royal's Dragon's Den-style Pitch@Palace scheme, designed to promote young entrepreneurs, after it expired last month.
the accountancy firm made the decision in the light of "adverse press scrutiny around Prince Andrew".
KPMG declined to comment, but a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: "KPMG's contract with Pitch@Palace ended at the end of October. A full programme of Pitch@Palace events is continuing across the United Kingdom."
In a further blow to Prince Andrew, AstraZeneca also announced it was reviewing its sponsorship of the scheme, and charity The Outward Bound Trust said it is reviewing the Duke's patronage this week.
The news comes despite the Queen giving him her backing following the BBC interview, according to a royal source.
They told the Evening Standard: "His Royal Highness has the backing of the Queen and his close family, they believe in him totally and think he has shown strength for telling the truth and admitting the errors he has made.
"There is no question of him being ordered to reduce his duties. He just wants to get on with his job.
"He has told the truth in detail."
There is no question of him being ordered to reduce his duties. He just wants to get on with his job.
Royal source
In a public show of support, the monarch stood by her “favourite son” as they attended church on the Windsor estate.
His pal revealed last night: “The Duke went to church with the Queen and was heard telling her it’s all been a great success.
“He thinks he’s done the right thing and has put the criticism to rest. He was all smiles and was looking very buoyant and happy.”
Andrew denied he had sex with 17-year-old Virginia Roberts in 2001 after going to Tramps nightclub in London, claiming he was at a Pizza Express with his daughter Princess Beatrice.
Ms Roberts claims she had sex with the prince three times - which he strongly denies.
Emily Maitlis shared the bizarre details of the Newsnight recording in The Times, writing he "[did] not seem particularly nervous" or "like a man who's about to decide his own fate".
He appeared so relaxed that as she left Buckingham Palace Andrew said: "Next time you come, we will talk about Pitch at Palace [his entrepreneurial work]."
Ms Maitlis added: "It nods to the fact he feels he can now get on with the work he loves. But I probably shouldn't wait by the phone."
Next time you come, we will talk about Pitch at Palace [his entrepreneurial work].
What Prince Andrew told Emily Maitlis
Palace officials have insisted the Prince will continue with his public work, with a "business as usual" view. Buckingham Palace did not wish to comment on claims the Queen is backing her son.
Ms Maitlis also wrote how she believed the Queen gave her approval for the interview - which viewers described as a "car crash" and Andrew apparently watched at home on Saturday night.
The journalist revealed: "We have finished laying our pitch. An awkward moment of silence falls. And the Duke tells us he must 'seek approval from higher up'.
"It dawns on us he means the Queen herself."At 8am the next day we have a message telling us to call his office. The Queen, it seems, is on board."
After it aired the Duke of York was slammed by viewers for his "lack of empathy" after discussing his friendship with Epstein.
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Epstein was first jailed in 2008 for procuring an underage girl for prostitution. He got an 18-month sentence, during which he was able to go on “work release” to his office six days a week. He was released on probation after 13 months.
This July he was arrested on sex trafficking allegations. On August 10 he was found hanged at the New York Metropolitan Correctional Centre — three weeks after being found unconscious with neck injuries.
Checks were not carried out on the night in question, and CCTV appeared to have malfunctioned. Officials are investigating.
