How will Prince Andrew proceed with his official duties, given that he is named in court papers in which he is accused of abusing an under-age ‘sex slave’?
The Daily Mail reports today that the Duke of York is expected to host a reception on behalf of the British government for foreign ministers at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland later this month.
However, Mr S can reveal that Prince Andrew will not represent the government in any such way. While a final announcement is yet to be made regarding his attendance at the event, word reaches Steerpike that any reception will be hosted in a personal manner, and not on behalf of No.10.
A Palace spokesman states that there was never was to be a government reception. ‘The Duke’s schedule of engagements will be announced in due course,’ he said, adding that ‘as in previous years, any reception would be hosted in a personal capacity’.
Prince Andrew stepped down from his role as trade envoy in 2011 over his association with the convicted sex offender Jeremy Epstein. However, he has continued to represent the government, taking part in engagements on behalf of UK Trade and Investment. Now that these latest allegations, denied by the Prince, have come to light, it remains to be seen whether this ‘special relationship’ will resume after the World Economic Forum.
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