Prince Andrew has avoided questions from the media in Perth amid controversy surrounding his links with the late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke of York is in the West Australian capital as part of a trip to host two events for entrepreneurial program Pitch@Palace Australia 3.0.

In the video above: Prince Andrew headed to Murdoch University

He hosted the first of two events on Wednesday but the media was invited only to take photos from a distance as he arrived at Murdoch University.

Despite being keen to promote the program in previous years, at this appearance the prince did not take any questions.

Prince Andrew arrives at Murdoch University in Perth. Credit: AAP

The media is not invited to the second event that will be held at Government House on Friday.

The Duke’s visit has been overshadowed by the Epstein scandal as the trip comes amid reports the FBI has decided to expand its investigation.

Consistent denials

Epstein took his own life in a New York prison cell in August where he was being detained over charges of sex trafficking teenage girls.

Despite their friendship, the prince has consistently denied having any knowledge of the disgraced billionaire's crimes involving the alleged trafficking and sexual abuse of underage girls.

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Following Epstein’s suicide, The Duke issued a statement explaining he regretted meeting up with Epstein in 2010 after he was released from prison.

The prince has denied all allegations against him.

However, an image of Andrew with Virginia Roberts Giuffre from 2001 continues to dog him.

Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre, then known as Virginia Roberts, along with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Credit: Florida Southern District Court

Giuffre has alleged Andrew was one of several powerful men she was directed to have sex with by Epstein - while she 15.

The Sunday Times newspaper in the UK said the FBI expects to interview alleged trafficking victims over the next two months adding that Scotland Yard is ready to help.

Scotland Yard previously held an investigation after Giuffre made the allegations against the prince, but that probe was dropped in 2015.

The Duke has denied all allegations against him, saying they are "without foundation".