The Queen held private talks with Prince Andrew on Tuesday amid the escalating scandal over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports. The meeting took place at Buckingham Palace, where the monarch reportedly expressed concern about the negative headlines surrounding the Duke of York's role as a UK trade envoy.
A source told the Daily Mail that the Queen asked the prince whether further damaging stories were expected to emerge in the coming days. The source said a 'yes' answer would render his position untenable, adding that a decision on his future could be made within 48 hours. Prince Andrew's spokesman declined to comment on the meeting.
The controversy was fuelled by revelations that Prince Andrew lobbied MPs and peers this week to support business ties with Azerbaijan, an autocracy accused of torturing protesters. It also emerged that Epstein used an RAF base to land his private jet en route to a party at Sandringham, Norfolk, the Queen's country estate.
The Queen is said to be worried that the scrutiny of Prince Andrew is overshadowing preparations for the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which the royal family had hoped would boost public support. The source claimed the prince would not resign voluntarily but would step down if his mother instructed him to do so.
