Prince Andrew could be removed as Commodore of the Royal Thames Yacht Club due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to leaked minutes from a secret meeting of senior club members. The club, which is the world's oldest continuously operating yacht club, has reportedly held discussions with Buckingham Palace about replacing the Duke.
The minutes reveal that Vice Commodore George Ehlers stated the club's general committee believes it is 'appropriate and in the interest of the club' to continue talks regarding Prince Andrew's patronage. The reference to 'changing developments within the royal household' is believed to relate to the pressure that led to Andrew stepping back from public duties following his controversial Newsnight interview about Epstein.
Sources indicate that the club is considering the Duchess of Cambridge as a replacement, which would make her the first female commodore in the club's history. A source described Andrew as 'not a suitable commodore' for the family-oriented club, adding that the Palace is resisting the move to avoid further embarrassment.
Prince Andrew has denied allegations by Virginia Roberts, a former 'sex slave' of Epstein, that she was forced to have sex with him. Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The issue of Andrew's role is on the agenda for the club's annual general meeting on Wednesday.
