The Duke of York has reacted for the first time to the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal.

Speaking after new footage emerged of the 59-year-old royal staying in the disgraced financier’s flat in 2010, the Duke said he was “appalled” by recent reports.

In a statement released to The Daily Telegraph, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged crimes. His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent.”

Having appeared at church alongside his mother the Queen in Balmoral last weekend, the Duke was conspicuous by his absence at Crathie Kirk on Sunday. He is currently holidaying in the Spanish resort of Sotogrande with his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York.

The statement followed the release of a video showing the Duke peering out from behind the door of Epstein’s £63 million Manhattan mansion, waving goodbye to a brunette.

Less than an hour earlier Epstein had been seen leaving the New York property with a young blonde woman.