PRINCE Andrew is considered a person of interest in the investigation by US prosecutors into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, according to reports.
The American authorities are seeking to interview Duke of York about his friendship with Epstein, according to Reuters.
Virginia Giuffre, also known as Virginia Roberts, has alleged she had sex with the prince on three separate occasions including when she was 17, as well as in 2001 which she says was after being trafficked to the UK by Epstein.
READ MORE: Prince Andrew scandal may finally destroy the Windsors
She called on the prince to speak to US authorities earlier this year, but her lawyer said he had “completely shut the door” on co-operating with investigators.
Prince Andrew categorically denies claims he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Giuffre.
A source in the office of the US Attorney in the Southern District of New York has now told Reuters that “he doesn’t seem to want to talk to us”.
READ MORE: Royal aides voice ‘credibility’ fears amid Prince Andrew’s US lawsuit
Four days after last year’s Newsnight interview, the duke said in a statement he was “willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required”.
But Geoffrey Berman, who is leading the Epstein inquiry, told reporters in March: “Contrary to Prince Andrew’s very public offer to co-operate with our investigation into Epstein’s co-conspirators, an offer that was conveyed via press release, Prince Andrew has now completely shut the door on voluntary co-operation and our office is considering its options.”
Andrew has retreated to the royal family’s royal estate after legal action against him was initiated by Giuffre last week.
READ MORE: Royals retreat to Balmoral estate amid Prince Andrew lawsuit
Epstein was found dead in a US prison after being arrested on charges of trafficking minors.
Maxwell has been accused of procuring teen girls for Epstein to sexually abuse – and has pleaded not guilty.
The prince has said he can’t remember meeting then 17-year-old Giuffre, despite a picture of them together with Epstein friend Ghislaine Maxwell, and claims to have taken a young Princess Beatrice to a birthday party at Pizza Express in Woking at the time Giuffre alleges the acts were committed in 2001.
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While Giuffre’s case is a civil lawsuit, it also emerged last week that the claims against Andrew are the subject of a review by the Metropolitan Police.
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