A statement by His Royal Highness The Duke of York

Published 20/11/2019

It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.

Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.

I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein. His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.

 

 

Related content

A message from The Queen to mark the 5th anniversary of The Queen's Reading Room

Reading truly changes how we perceive, how we think and how we connect.

08 January 2026

A speech by His Majesty The King at the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions Parade, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth

My own service taught me that leadership is not about rank; it is, and has always been, about character. It is about making sound decisions under pressure, holding firm to our...

19 December 2025
Page

Using AI Tools in Your Application: Guidance for Candidates

We recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot Chat and Gemini can be helpful when preparing a job application. Used appropriately, these tools...

A message from The King in support of Stand Up To Cancer

Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the 'community of care' that surrounds every cancer patient - the specialists, the...

12 December 2025
Page

Safeguarding policy

This policy sets out the Royal Household’s approach to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

The King's speech at the German State Banquet

Our partnership continues to adapt to new times. We now find ourselves at the forefront of a global transformation - the search for a way of living that is at once prosperous...

03 December 2025

A message from The King to the people of South and Southeast Asia following devastating floods across the region.

My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the devastation caused by the terrible storms across South and Southeast Asia. We can only begin to imagine the scale of...

01 December 2025

A message from The King to the people of Hong Kong following the devastating fire in Tai Po.

My wife and I were greatly saddened to learn of the devastating fire in Tai Po and feel deeply for the people of Hong Kong at such a tragic time. Our most heartfelt thoughts...

28 November 2025

A message of condolence from His Majesty The King following the passing of Manfred Goldberg, Holocaust survivor and educator.

My wife and I were most deeply saddened to hear the news of Manfred Goldberg’s recent death and, together with everyone present, mourn his great loss in our hearts and souls...

07 November 2025
News

Earthshot 2025, Brazil

06 November 2025
The Prince of Wales in Brazil
Press release 30 October 2025

A statement from Buckingham Palace

Read more

A message from The King to the people of Jamaica and all those across the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Melissa

My wife and I have been deeply concerned and profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean...

29 October 2025
News

State Visit to the Holy See

23 October 2025
The King and Queen with Pope Leo
Press release 17 October 2025

A statement by Prince Andrew

Read more

A message from His Majesty The King to mark the National Harvest Festival Service at Westminster Abbey.

Today is a most wonderful way to celebrate our Lord’s bounty through this year’s National Harvest Service in the magnificent setting of Westminster Abbey. It is a time of year...

16 October 2025